US20080268744A1

US20080268744A1 - Toy vehicle

Info

Publication number: US20080268744A1
Application number: US12/109,837
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Kevin Jones
Original assignee: Mattel Inc
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2007-04-27
Filing date: 2008-04-25
Publication date: 2008-10-30
Also published as: WO2008134051A3; WO2008134051A2

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/914,580, filed Apr. 27, 2007 and entitled “Bobble Toy Vehicle”, the entire subject matter of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to toy vehicles and, more particularly, to a toy vehicle having a vehicle body and/or chassis that exhibits realistic or lifelike motion when the toy vehicle is driven and a toy vehicle having a center of gravity that enables the toy vehicle to be driven at a generally inclined position or to perform “wheelies”.
Remote controlled toys vehicles (i.e., cars, sport utility vehicles and “monster” trucks) are generally known. Consumers today, especially those that play with dynamic toys such as remote controlled “monster” trucks, desire realistic effects. One realistic effect consumers desire is the realistic and/or generally unpredictable “bobbling” action of these toy vehicles. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to create a remotely controlled “monster” truck, or any other remotely controlled vehicle, that is capable of performing such motion for a variety of reasons.
Therefore, it would be desirable to create a toy vehicle with new, unique and improved design and capabilities. Specifically, it would be desirable to create a toy vehicle having a vehicle body supported by at least one spring to allow for “bobbling” action as the vehicle moves and stops. Further, it would be desirable to create a toy vehicle having a front axle that is loosely captured on the vehicle's housing or chassis to allow the axle to twist and move a predetermined amount axially (right and left) and radially (up and down/front and back) as the vehicle moves. The combination of these two structures would provided a realistic or lifelike motion to the vehicle. Further, it would be desirable to create a toy vehicle with a center of gravity low and towards the rear to enable the vehicle be driven at a generally inclined position or to perform “wheelies” and wheelie spins.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention is direct to a toy vehicle that includes a chassis having opposing right and left sides, opposing front and rear ends and a top side extending between the lateral sides and the end. A front road wheel and a rear road wheel are operatively mounted to the chassis to at least partially 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 while limiting separation of the vehicle body away from 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 horizontal directions on the chassis while the at least one connection limits separation of the vehicle body from the chassis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings two embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of a fully assembled toy vehicle in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the toy vehicle in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned left side elevation view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1, with the toy vehicle in a partially inclined or “wheelie” position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the components of the toy vehicle shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a front left perspective view of a vehicle chassis of a toy vehicle in accordance with another preferred embodiment, with a vehicle body removed for clarity;

FIG. 6 is a magnified front left perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 4, with the vehicle body, right and left frames and an upper chassis housing removed for clarity;

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram depicting the angular directions in which the toy vehicle is capable of moving;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a wireless remote control transmitter and an on-board control unit of the toy vehicles shown herein;

FIG. 8 is a left side elevation view of a fully assembled toy vehicle in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a rear left perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “upper” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4 a first preferred embodiment of a bobble toy vehicle, generally designated 100. As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred toy vehicle 100 of the present invention is generally similar in appearance and operation to other remote control toy vehicles found in the prior art. The toy vehicle 100 of the present invention has a lower housing 3 and an upper housing 4 together defining a chassis 5, a front axle 20 operatively connecting two front road wheels 21 to the chassis 5 and a rear axle 17 also operatively connecting two rear road wheels 6 to the chassis 5. Each of the road wheels 21, 6 is operatively mounted to the chassis to at least partially support the chassis 5 for movement. Although reference is made specifically to a four wheeled toy “Monster” truck 100, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the specific structural arrangements and methods described herein may be employed in virtually any type of toy vehicle, such as automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, etc.
The rear road wheels 6 are shaped and sized such that a tire 18 may be wrapped around the circumferential outer edge of each. The tires 18 are preferably made of a soft polymer such as a soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or an elastomer selected from the family of styrenic thermoplastic elastomers polymers sold under the trademark KRAYTON POLYMERS so as to increase traction and improve control of the toy vehicle 100. It is also preferred that the tires 18 are essentially identical in dimension and construction and oversized to provide additional stability for the toy vehicle 100. The tires 18 may be solid polymer or a polymer shell filled with a foam or hollow and sealed, preferably with a valve for inflating and adjusting the pressure level of the tires 18. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other sizes and materials could be substituted, such as, but not limited to, silicone, polyurethane foam, latex, and rubber. Moreover, the tires could be open to atmosphere or sealed. In the preferred embodiment, each of the tires 18 has knobs for gripping and traction, particularly off pavement terrain including but not limited to sand, dirt and grass. The front road wheels 21 preferably have a circumferential outer surface made of a more slippery material, such as polypropylene, to permit the front end of the toy vehicle 100 to be moved laterally more easily. The front road wheels 21 may be provided without tires, as depicted, or with tires.
Preferably, the operation of the toy vehicle 100 is generally similar to other remote controlled toy vehicles found in the prior art. The toy vehicle 100 is provided with one or more, preferably reversible, electric motors 38 for at least propulsion of the toy vehicle 100 across a supporting surface 90 (FIG. 3). As seen in FIG. 4, the toy vehicle 100 preferably includes two spaced-apart reversible motors 38 a, 38 b each mounting a pinion 10 projecting from a side of the motor 38 and driving a train of gears and shafts. Each pinion 10 directly drives mated reduction gears 11, 12, which, in turn, drive a driven gear 13 and bushings 14 surrounding a fixed rear axle 17 to power the rear wheels 6 of the toy vehicle 100. Such an arrangement combines propulsion with steering and is sometimes referred to as “tank steering.” However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the power system and drive system used to control the movement of the toy vehicle 100 can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope the invention. Further, the toy vehicle 100 of the present invention is similar to other remote controlled toy vehicles found in the prior art in that the motors 38 are powered by an on-board electronic power supply 35, such as one or a series of batteries.
Referring to FIG. 7, the toy vehicle 100 is preferably used in combination with a conventional wireless remote controller 105. The toy vehicle 100 is provided with conventional circuit board 101 mounted control circuitry 200 adapted to control operation of the drive motors 38. The circuitry includes an on-board controller 102 with a processor 102 a plus any necessary related elements such as memory. If the vehicle 100 is wirelessly remotely controlled, it includes a wireless signal receiver 102 b operably coupled and any other accessory motor (not shown) with processor 102 a and responsive to the remote control transmitter 105. The motors 38 are controlled by the processor 102 a through motor control subcircuits 104 a, 104 b which, under control of processor 102 a, selectively couple each motor 38 with an electric power supply 35 (such as one or more disposable or rechargeable batteries). The toy vehicle 100 is capable of being maneuvered in the manner of a tank by varying the relative direction and/or speeds of rotation of drive motors 38 and the rear road wheels 6. If desired, another electrically operated motor or actuator 98 (in phantom) can be provided, remotely controlled through accessory manual actuators 105 c, 105 d, processor 102 a and control circuit 104 c (also in phantom) for performing stunts, “wheelies” or other special amusement effects.
The toy vehicle 100 of the present invention provides a movement of a vehicle body 28 of the toy vehicle 100 to mimic the movement and motion of that of a full scale “Monster” vehicle. As will be described in detailed below, the toy vehicle 100 moves in a “bobble-head” doll type of motion when driven in order to simulate the movement of the coach portion of a full scale “Monster” vehicle, for example, having a shock-absorbing system that causes the coach of the vehicle to move/undulate in various directions or at various angles as the chassis of the vehicle is driven over rough or undulating terrain.
It is understood by those skilled in the art that the overall appearance of the toy vehicle 100 can vary from the design shown herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a four wheeled vehicle generally in the shape of a monster truck as seen driven for entertainment at sporting or entertainment complexes. However, the toy vehicle 100 can have any number of wheels and be in the form of any cycle, truck, sport utility vehicle or other automobile without departing from spirit and scope of the invention. Alternatively, the toy vehicle 100 can be in the form of a boat, airplane or any other motorized toy.
As shown, FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper housing 4 matingly engages with the top of the lower housing 3 to form a chassis 5 and provide a means to operatively connect the wheels 6, 21 and axles 17, 20 and to support the rest of the structure of the toy vehicle 100. The chassis 5 includes opposing right and left lateral sides 5 a, 5 b, opposing front and rear ends 5 c, 5 d and a top side 5 e extending between the lateral sides 5 a, 5 b and the ends 5 c, 5 d. The toy vehicle 100 preferably includes a right frame 24 and a left frame 23 to limit downward movement of the body 28 with respect to the chassis 5 as well as to simulate a real body supporting frame. The lower housing 3 includes a battery housing 3 b (FIG. 4) towards the rear of the toy vehicle 100 to properly support the power supply 35.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the lower housing 3 preferably includes an arcuate-shaped extension, channel or trough 3 a proximate the front end 5 c of the chassis 5 to provide a support to the front axle 20. The motors 38, reduction gears 11, 12, driven gears 13 and bushings 14 are all preferably supported on top of the lower housing 3. The upper housing 4 is sized and shaped to enclose the battery housing 3 b, motors 38 and reduction gears 11, 12, driven gears 13 and bushings 14 on top of the lower housing 3. Further, the toy vehicle 100 includes a lower motor cover 7 and an upper motor cover 8 to enclose the motors 38. The lower housing 3, upper housing 4, battery housing 3 b and motor covers 7, 8 are preferably formed of an ABS resin. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the upper housing 4, lower housing 3, battery housing 3 b and motor covers 7, 8 can be formed of virtually any high strength, lightweight and heat resistant or heat radiant material, such as a metallic material, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
To provide the toy vehicle 100 with more body movement, the toy vehicle 100 of the present invention has two separate “systems” or structural arrangements to provide the desired motion. The first system is one that creates/provides greater movement to the vehicle body 28 of toy vehicle 100 on the chassis 5 and includes at least one but preferably a plurality of biasing members 30 positioned between the top side 5 e of the chassis 5 and the vehicle body 28 so as to bias the vehicle body 28 away from the chassis 5. The first system further includes at least one and preferably a plurality of spaced-apart connections 25, which movably secure the vehicle body 28 to the chassis 5 while limiting separation of the vehicle body 28 away from the chassis 5, preferably against the bias of the biasing members 30. In this embodiment, the connections 25 preferably include flexible members 27, such as a resiliently flexible plastic stakes or posts 27. The flexible members 27 are preferably movably secured at least with the top side 5 e of the chassis 5 through openings 80 and preferably the vehicle body 28 through openings 29 to permit at least downward vertical movements as well as transverse movements in different horizontal directions of the vehicle body 28 on the chassis 5. Preferably, each biasing member 30 is associated with a separate connection 25. In this embodiment, each biasing member 30 is preferably a coil spring and the flexible member 27 of each connection 25 extends through the spring 30 to capture the spring 30.
By “against the bias”, it is meant that connection 25 is sufficiently short with respect to an associated biasing member 30 such that any slack in the biasing member 30 is fully taken up and, preferably, the biasing member 30 is put into slight compression so that the vehicle body 28 is always being biased away from the chassis 5 back to a nominal or rest position, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 (and FIGS. 8-9). However, it will be appreciated that the invention does not require the connection 25 to normally load the biasing member 30 in this way. The connection 25 need only limit separation of the vehicle body 28 from the chassis 5.
Preferably, the toy vehicle 100 of the present invention includes two identical rear connections 25 a that are preferably located proximate the rear end 5 d of the chassis 5 and the rear wheels 6. Rear flexible members 27 a extend generally vertically from the top side 5 e of the chassis 5. A lower portion of each member 27 a is preferably movably engaged, within an opening 80 a (in FIG. 3) for example, through the top side 5 e of the chassis 5. An upper portion of each member 27 a may be capable of extending through an appropriate opening 29 a in the vehicle body 28 or fixed in the opening 29 a, as desired. Coil spring biasing members 30 a surround each flexible member 27 a of each rear connection 25 a. Preferably, a first or upper surface of each rear coil spring 30 a is juxtaposed with said body 28 and a second or lower surface is juxtaposed with the top side 5 e of the chassis 5. Either or both surfaces of the rear coil springs 30 a may be fixedly or removably attached, for example, to the body 28 and/or chassis 5.
Further, a front connection 25 b preferably extends vertically from the top side 5 e of the chassis 5 proximate a mid-section of the toy vehicle 100 and through an appropriate opening 29 b in vehicle body 28. A lower portion of the front connection 25 b is preferably moveably engaged, within an opening 80 b (FIG. 3) for example, in the top side 5 e of the chassis 5. An upper portion of each member 27 b is capable of extending through or is fixed, as desired, in an appropriate opening 29 b in the vehicle body 28. A front coil spring biasing member 30 b encloses and/or surrounds the front connection 25 b and is captured by its flexible member 27 b. Preferably, first or upper and second or lower surfaces of the front coil spring 30 b are juxtaposed with the body 28 and the top side 5 e of the chassis 5, respectively. Either or both surfaces of the front coil spring 30 b may be fixedly or removably attached, for example, to the body 28 and chassis 5. Front and rear connections 25 a, 25 b and biasing members 30 a, 30 b are preferably identical but may differ for different spacings between the vehicle body 28 and chassis 5 or to differentiate response of the front and rear ends of the vehicle body 28.
As is understood by those skilled in the art, the openings 29 in the vehicle body 28 and the openings 80 in the chassis 5 allow the flexible members 27 of the connections 25 to move vertically downwardly with respect to the chassis 5 and the body 28 from a normally raised position (in FIGS. 1-3). The lowermost ends of the flexible members 27 are preferably captured in the chassis 5 by the provision of flanges which are sized and shaped, for example cupped, to permit each member 27 to pivot or roll in any transverse (i.e. horizontal) direction in the opening 80 in the upper housing 4 of the chassis 5. The upper ends of the members 27 may be similarly movably captured in the vehicle body openings 29 a, 29 b by suitable means such as flange headed screws 88 (FIG. 3) or, more preferably, may be fixedly secured in the openings 29 so that only the lower ends of the flexible members 27 move through their respective opening 80.
When the toy vehicle 100 of the present invention is properly assembled and driven, the vehicle body 28 undulates up and down and moves transversely generally similar to the movement of a “bobble” doll head in a generally unpredictable motion. Each of the biasing members 30 and the connections 25 is sufficiently flexible to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body 28 in different horizontal directions on the chassis 5 while the connections 25 limit separation of the vehicle body 28 from the chassis 5. Preferably, the connections 25 resiliently limit transverse movement of the springs 30 and body 28 on the chassis 5. This generally horizontal motion, as well as vertical motion, of the vehicle body 28 with respect to the chassis 5 mimics the real life motion of a “Monster” truck having a shock absorbing system, as seen at entertainment or sporting venues.
It is understood by those skilled in the art that the structure of the toy vehicle 100 that creates an undulating or bobble effect of the vehicle body 28 is not limited to the specific structure described above. For example, it is within the spirit and scope of the invention that the number or size of connections and/or biasing members can be increased or decreased to provide a different motion to the vehicle body 28. Further, it is within the spirit and scope of the invention that the location of the connections and/or biasing members can be rearranged to provide a different motion or bobble effect to the vehicle body 28.
FIG. 5 depicts a chassis 5′ with a modified form of flexible members 27′. The toy vehicle 100′ includes like reference numerals to indicate like elements and a (′) distinguishing the reference numerals of this preferred embodiment from the first preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. Specifically, each member 27′ is basically a flat piece of flexible polymer material, flared at its lower end, to form a bayonet connection with a suitable opening 80′ in the upper housing 4′ of the chassis 5′. Opening 80′ is generally circular with a diameter slightly larger than the width of the flexible members 27′ and include ends of a diametric slot sufficiently long to receive the flared lower end of the member 27′. After insertion, member 27′ is rotated to secure the flared lower end in the respective opening 80′. This configuration permits downward movement of member 27′ through the respective opening 80′. Proper configuration of the lower end of member 27′ and the opening 80′, for example, cupping of the lower end of the member 27′ and facing seat of the opening 80′, would permit transverse pivotal or rolling movement of the members 27′ in the opening 80′ like a ball and socket, as well as bending of the flexible member across its vertical, longitudinal direction.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. A toy vehicle 100″ includes like reference numerals to indicate like elements and a (″) distinguishing the reference numerals of this preferred embodiment from the first preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 and its alternative of FIG. 5. The toy vehicle 100″ of FIGS. 8-9 is substantially similar in structure and operation to the embodiments described above. The toy vehicle 100″ preferably includes a chassis 5″, a vehicle body 28″, a front axle 20″ operatively connected to two front road wheels 21″ and a rear axle 17″ operatively connected to two rear road wheels 6″. The primary difference of the second preferred embodiment is that each connection 25″ has a flexible member 27″ preferably formed of a string, cord, thread or virtually any other type of member that is completely flexible. By that, it means the member 27″ is insufficiently resilient to be self-supporting and can resist tensile loads but not compressive loads. The strings 27″ secure the body 28″ to the chassis 5″ and limit the upward movement of the body 28″. These strings 27″ do nothing to keep the body 28″ upright or limit the transverse movement of the body 28″ with respect to the chassis 5″ until pulled taunt. As is understood by those skilled in the art, each connection 25″ may be secured to the chassis 5″ and/or body 28″ through a hole in either in virtually any manner, such as by a pin, a rivet, a screw adhesive, etc, or by the provision of a knot in or a stop on the flexible member 27″. Alternatively, either or each end of the members 27″ may be secured in a cap abutted against an end of the flexible member and the cap positioned in or against and/or secured between the chassis 5″ and the vehicle body 28″. It should be appreciated that the flexible members 27″ of the present invention also include fully flexible elastomeric as well as inelastic members.
The second “system” is one that creates/provides greater movement to the front end of the toy vehicle 100 and includes the front axle 20 being partially enclosed and loosely captured in a front axle housing 22 within the trough 3 a at the front of the lower housing 3. The interior diameter of the front axle housing 22 is slightly larger than the exterior diameter of the front axle 20. Thus, the front axle 20 is twistable and slidable axially (i.e. in either the left or right direction) and radially (i.e. up/down/front/rear directions) with respect to the front axle housing 22.
The front axle housing 22 preferably includes two spaced apart stops 22 a, in the form of flanges or protrusions, that circumferentially protrude from the front axle housing 22 at equally spaced locations on the front axle housing 22 from the center of the housing 22. The stops 22 a allow the front axle housing 22, and thus the front axle 20 located within the front axle housing 22, to move a predetermined distance in opposite axial directions (i.e. transverse left and right). Those skilled in the art understand that the toy vehicle 100 is not limited to the inclusion of the stops 22 a.
The front axle housing 22 itself is loosely positioned within the trough 3 a. Further, a receptor 22 b protrudes from the front axle housing 22 generally at a midsection of the front axle housing 22. The receptor 22 b is generally circular in shape and receives and secures a first end of a biasing member 33, such as a torsion coil spring. For example, the bore of receptor 22 b can be threaded for the first end of coil spring 33 to be screwed into the receptor 22 b. The second end of the torsion spring 33 is preferably firmly connected to the chassis 5, for example to a support post 3 d protruding from the top of the lower housing 3. The second end of the torsion spring 33 may be captured between a pair of upwardly extending flanges 3 c of the support post and a screw 3 e having a flared head spanning the flanges 3 c.
In a nominal, at rest, level orientation of the toy vehicle 100, the front axle housing 22 is biased to the bottom of the trough 3 a by the torsion spring 33. From that position, the combination of the stops 22 a and the torsion spring 33 provide a controlled range of translational (i.e. axial and radial three-dimensional) motion as well as rotational (i.e. twisting) motion about axes extending radially from the front axle housing 22, for the front axle housing 22, front axle 20 and, therefore, the front wheels 21 of the toy vehicle 100, as depicted in FIG. 6A. As seen in FIGS. 2-6, the upper housing 4 encloses the torsion spring 33 and captures the front axle housing 22.
It is understood that the front of the toy vehicle 100 of the present invention can be modified to create different motion without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the toy vehicle 100 may have a plurality of torsion springs 30 or the location of the torsion spring 30 can be positioned differently to provide a different motion to the front end of the toy vehicle 100. Also, the present invention is not limited to a torsion spring. One or more resilient and/or elastic members might be used. It is understood by those skilled in the art that any structure capable of movement that provides a restoring force to the front axle 20 and/or a front axle housing 22, if provided, can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As noted above, the stops 22 a on the front axle housing 22 can be located at different positions to provide more or less movement of the front of the toy vehicle 100 in a left and right direction. Further, the toy vehicle 100 is not limited to the inclusion of the “loosely captured” front axle 20 and front axle housing 20. For example, the front axle 20 may be fixed to the front axle housing 22 or stub axles provided at the outer ends of the housing 22 to reduce movement of the toy vehicle 100, if desired.
In reference to FIG. 3, the center of gravity CG of the toy vehicle 100 of the present invention is preferably located towards the lower rear of the toy vehicle 100 longitudinally proximal the rear axle 17. Optionally, the precise placement of a weight 32 (FIG. 4) can ensure that the center of gravity CG is in a desired location. This location of the center of gravity CG allows the toy vehicle 100 of the present invention to readily perform wheelies, wheelie spins and certain other motions desired by a user. The toy vehicle 100 preferably includes a combination rear bumper and wheelie bar 26 to provide stability to the toy vehicle 100 when the user is performing a wheelie or wheelie spin or other such desired function. The bumper/bar 26 is sized and shaped to extend from the rear of the toy vehicle 100 such that the weight of the toy vehicle 100 can be supported during various maneuvers. By manipulating the controls on a remote controller (not shown) in a specified manner, the toy vehicle 100 will perform the desired wheelie, wheelie spin or other such desired motion. As seen in FIG. 5, two stunt or prop wheels 19′ may be rotatably supported by a conventional stub axle or shaft (not shown) that extends within the bumper/bar 26′. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the toy vehicle 100 is not limited to the inclusion of two prop wheels 19′, but may not include prop wheels or may include only one or more than two prop wheels. Further, the location of the prop wheel(s) is/are not limited to that shown and described herein.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, the toy vehicle 100 can be constructed of, for example, plastic or any other suitable material such as metal or composite materials. Also, the dimensions of the toy vehicle 100 shown can be varied, for example making components of the toy vehicle smaller or larger relative to other components. It should be appreciated that some of the figures are more schematic than others.
While the motors 38 a, 38 b are conventionally powered by an on-board power source, such as batteries 35, the vehicle might use a capacitive storage device (not depicted). Furthermore, it is preferred that the toy vehicle 100 to be conventionally remotely controlled have an antenna (not shown) or other wireless signal sensor or receptor. The antenna may be extended upwardly through any of the biasing members 30 or simply located on the top side 5 e of the chassis 5 between the chassis 5 and the vehicle body 28. This location of the antenna could add to the aesthetics of the toy vehicle 100 removing the antenna from the user line of sight and may also protect the antenna or provide for optimum operation. Alternatively, the antenna may be extended through the vehicle body 28.
While remote control of the toy vehicle 100 is preferred, it will be appreciated that the toy vehicle can be factory preprogrammed to perform a predetermined movement or series of movements or can be configured to be selectively programmed by a user to create such predetermined movement(s). Alternatively, or in addition, the toy vehicle 100 can be equipped with environment sensors, e.g., contact activated switches, proximity detectors, etc., 107 a, 107 b (in phantom in FIG. 7) that will control the toy vehicle 100 to turn away from or reverse itself automatically from whatever direction it was moving in if or when an obstacle is contacted or otherwise sensed. Further example, vehicle 100 might be provided both propulsion and control components like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,427, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Such control systems can be obtained directly from manufacturers, such as Taiyo, Kogyo of Tokyo, Japan and others or U.S. distributors selling radio control vehicle products and/or parts. The term, “remotely controlled” is used broadly to include both hard wire and wireless controlled toy vehicles.
It is understood, therefore, that changes could be made to the preferred embodiments of the toy vehicle described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof it is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A toy vehicle comprising:

a chassis having opposing right and left lateral sides, opposing front and rear ends and a top side extending between the lateral sides and the ends;

a front road wheel and a rear road wheel operatively mounted to said chassis to at least partially support said chassis for movement;

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 said vehicle body with the chassis while limiting separation of the vehicle body away from the chassis;

each of the at least one biasing member and the at least one connection being sufficiently flexible to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body in horizontal directions on the chassis while the at least one connection limits separation of the vehicle body from the chassis.

2. The toy vehicle of claim 1 wherein the at least one biasing member is a coil spring.

3. The toy vehicle of claim 1 wherein the at least one connection includes a flexible member sufficiently resilient to be self supporting.

4. The toy vehicle of claim 3 wherein the flexible member is movably secured to at least the chassis so as to permit the transverse movements of the vehicle body on the chassis.

5. The toy vehicle of claim 1 wherein the at least one connection includes a flexible member insufficiently resilient to be self supporting.

6. The toy vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a motor on said chassis drivingly connected with at least one of the front and rear wheels to propel the toy vehicle, and wherein the at least one biasing member and connection are sufficiently flexible to further permit transverse movements of the vehicle body on the chassis in horizontal directions with propulsion of the toy vehicle by the motor.

7. The toy vehicle of claim 1 wherein:

the at least one biasing member is one of a plurality of biasing members positioned between the top side of the chassis and the inner side of the body so as to bias the vehicle body away from the chassis; and

the at least one connection is one of a plurality of connections movably securing the vehicle body with the chassis against the bias of the plurality of biasing members to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body on the chassis while limiting separation of the vehicle body from the chassis.

8. The toy vehicle of claim 7 wherein at least one of the plurality of biasing members is a coil spring.

9. The toy vehicle of claim 7 wherein each of the plurality of biasing members is a coil spring.

10. The toy vehicle of claim 7 wherein at least one of the plurality of connections includes a flexible member sufficiently resilient to be self supporting.

11. The toy vehicle of claim 10 wherein the flexible member is movably secured to at least the chassis so as to permit the transverse movements of the vehicle body on the chassis.

12. The toy vehicle of claim 7 wherein each of the plurality of connections includes a flexible member sufficiently resilient to be self supporting and movably secured with the chassis and the vehicle body so as to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body on the chassis.

13. The toy vehicle of claim 7 wherein at least one of the plurality of connections includes a flexible member insufficiently resilient to be self supporting.

14. The toy vehicle of claim 7 wherein each of the plurality of connectors includes a flexible member insufficiently resilient to be self supporting.

15. The toy vehicle of claim 7 further comprising a motor on said chassis drivingly connected with at least one of the front and rear wheels to propel the toy vehicle, and wherein the plurality of biasing members and the plurality of connections are all sufficiently flexible to further permit transverse movements of the vehicle horizontal directions with propulsion of the vehicle by the motor.

16. The toy vehicle of claim 1 wherein the at least one biasing member and the at least one connection are located more proximal the front end the chassis and further comprising:

a second biasing member positioned between the top side of the chassis and the inner side of the body more proximal the rear end of the chassis so as to bias the vehicle body away from the rear end of the chassis; and

a second connection more proximal the rear end of the chassis movably securing the vehicle body to the chassis against the bias of the second biasing member.

17. The toy vehicle of claim 1 further comprising:

a trough formed in said chassis proximate said front end;

a front axle supporting the front road wheel;

a front axle housing at least partially surrounding said front axle and movably positioned with said trough; and

a torsion spring member movably connecting the front axle housing with the chassis.

18. The toy vehicle of claim 17 wherein said front axle housing is movable in axial and radial directions with respect to the chassis when the toy vehicle is driven.

19. The toy vehicle of claim 18 wherein said front axle housing further comprising two spaced-apart stops protruding from said front axle housing, wherein said stops allow said front axle housing to move a predetermined distance in opposing axial directions.