AU738039B2

AU738039B2 - Radio controlled toy surfer

Info

Publication number: AU738039B2
Application number: AU50427/98A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jason Grant Venables Hall
Original assignee: Wombarra Innovations Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Wombarra Innovations Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1996-11-29
Filing date: 1997-12-01
Publication date: 2001-09-06
Anticipated expiration: 2017-12-01
Also published as: AU5042798A

Description

WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813

I

Radio Controlled Toy Surfer The present invention relates to a radio controlled toy surfboard or body board, and in particular to a radio controlled surfboard or body board with a surfer mounted thereon.

Radio controlled toys such as cars, airplanes and boats are well known.

However these toys are all controlled so as to be driven in the same manner as the real car, airplane or boat, by applying power to the wheels,. or propellers, and to provide steering by turning the wheels of the toy car or the tail rudder or ailerons of the plane or the rudder of the boat. Hence it is a relatively easy matter to-scale done the size of the components from the "real" vehicle to operate the toy vehicle.

However in the case of surfboard riding, a board is first propelled by.the surfer laying or kneeling on the board and paddling with his arms to obtain sufficient speed to catch the wave. The surfer then stands and uses the position of his weight and body movement along the board to turn the board and maintain position on the wave or to leave the wave. It is therefor not a simple procedureto produce a toy surfboard which will operate in the same manner as a "real' surfboard.

WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 2 The present invention has ameliorated this problem by providing a radio controlled toy surfboard which perform manoeuvres on a wave similar to those performed by a "real" surfboard.

In one broad form the invention comprises a radio controlled toy surfboard or body board comprising: a board having a top-surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a tail end; a figure of a surfer located on the top surface and being so positioned and constructed as to provide a balance to maintain and to bias the board into a flat running position; a compartment within the surfboard to hold the radio receiver and the controls and the motor; a drive propeller located near the tail of the board; and a rudder located between the propeller and the tail of the board.

the bottom of the board being so shaped as to hold the waves in the same manner as a full size surfboard.

In another form the invention comprises a radio controlled toy surfboard or body board comprising: WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 3 a board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a tail end; a figure of a surfer located on the top surface and being so positioned and constructed as to provide a balance to maintain and to bias the board into a flat running position; a compartment within the surfboard to hold the radio receiver and the controls and the motor; a drive propeller located near the tail of the board; and a rudder located between the propeller and the tail of the board.

the bottom of the board being shaped with a upswept nose portion, being rolled in cross section, with a central section having two concave channels and a stepped runner at each edge, and a relative flat section adjacent the tail, so as to hold the waves in the same manner as a full size surfboard.

In a further form the invention comprises a radio controlled toy surfboard or body board comprising: a board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a tail end; WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 4 a figure of a surfer located on the top surface and being so positioned and constructed as toprovide a balance to maintain and to bias the board into a flat running position; a compartment within the surfboard to hold the radio receiver and the controls and the motor; a drive propeller located near the tail of the board; and a rudder located between the propeller-and the tail of the board.

the bottom of the board being shaped with a upswept nose portion, being rolled in cross section, with a central section having an oval shaped -lifting surface extending along the board and out of the board with two concave channels extending there along, and a stepped runner at each edge of the board, a small fin located adjacent the rear of the oval shaped lifting surface and a relative flat section adjacent the tail, so as to hold the waves in the same manner as a full size surfboard.

Preferably the rudder comprises an outer ring with a three-bladed elongated spoke extending within the ring and beyond said ring, towards and aligned with the propeller.

WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a radio controlled toy surfboard according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a view of the cavity for the guidance and power system of the radio controlled toy surfboard as shown in figure 1; Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the toy surfboard shown in figure 1; Figure 4 shoWvs a side view of the toy surfboard shown in figure 1; Figure 5 is a cross sectional view taken through the toy surfboard as illustrated in figure 3 in the direction of the arrows V-V; Figure 6 is a cross sectional view taken through the toy surfboard as illustrated in figure 3 in the direction of the arrows VI-VI; Figure 7 is a cross sectional view taken through -the toy surfboard as illustrated in figure 3 in the direction of the arrows VII-VII; WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 6 Figure 8 is a cross sectional view taken through the toy surfboard as illustrated in figure 3 in the direction of the arrows VIII-VIII; Figure 9 is a close up view of the underside of the tail of the toy surfboard as shown in figure 1; Figure 10 is a partial cut away view of the surfer figure and cavity cover of the toy surfboard as illustrated in figure 1; Figure 11 is a bottom plan view of a toy surfboard according to another embodiment of the present invention with the top cover and surfer figure removed; Figure 12 is a side view of the toy surfboard shown in figure 11; Figure 13 is a cross sectional view taken through the toy surfboard as illustrated in figure 11 in the direction of the arrows XIII XIII; Figure 14 is a cross sectional view taken through the toy surfboard as illustrated in figure 11 in the direction of the arrows XIV XIV; _Figure 15 is a cross sectional view taken through the toy surfboard as illustrated in figure 11 in the direction of the arrows XV XV; WO 98/23345 .PCT/AU97/00813 7 Figure 16 is a cross sectional view taken through the toy surfboard as illustrated in figure 11 in the direction of the arrows XVI XVI; Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of a radio controlled toy body board according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 illustrates a plan view of the radio controlled toy body board illustrated in figure 17; and Figure 19 illustrates a side view of the radio controlled toy body board illustrated in figure 17.

As is shown in figure 1, the radio controlled toy surfboard comprises an elongated surfboard body with a surfer figure mounted on a cover (4) which is located above and seals the cavity The surfer figure is preferably positioned in a crouched position as shown. Apart from the aesthetics, the surfer figure provides an essential feature to provide for the flat running of the surfboard body in that it provides a balance for the surfboard body. Further the surfer figure is also either hollow or made from a material less dense than water, so that if the board should tip, the floatation of the surfer figure rights the board WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 8 To assist in the performance, the surfer figure as shown in figure is hingedlyattached to the cover to absorb shocks and to provide a more realistic appearance. As shown, the figure is attached by a rubber band (6) on a pin to a stud on the cover allowing for the surfer figure to pivot during movement of the board body and to spring back into position to assist in effective turns and to right the board in the case of the board body (2) flipping over. This could be replaced by any suitable hinge system such as stainless steel spring.

A preferred shape of the board body is shown in figures 3 to 8. As shown in figure 4, the front of the board body is upturned, and is curved in profile, as shown in figure 5. Further-down the board body a small blunt keel extends along the centre of the board body to form the housing (11) for the propeller The keel is preferably gently curved to assist in smooth turning of the board body through the water.

A concave channel extend along the middle section (12) of the board body on both sides of the blunt keel as shown in figures 6 7. Also a stepped runner (13) extends along the edges (14) adjacent the middle section, (12) as shown in figures 3, 4 7. Each change in slope is preferably smooth to assist the smooth travel of the bodyboard body across the wave.

WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 9 To assist in ease of turning, the tail section (14) has a relatively flat bottom, as shown in figure 8. The steering and propulsion system is also located at the tail (14) of the board body As shown in figures 3, 4 9, a propeller (10) extends from the housing (11) which is an extension of the blunt keel Located adjacent the end of the tail section (14) is a specially shaped rudder The rudder (15) comprises an annular member (16) with a trifurcated directional blade which comprises a vertical orientated elongated blade (17) extending towards the propeller(10), with two blades (18 19) orientated at approximately 1200 from each other, and extending along the bottom of the vertical blade Preferably the two blades (18 19 are triangular in shape, with the vertically orientated blade (17) being some what parallelogram in shape. The rudder (15) pivots on the shaft A propeller guard (21) extends from the annular member (16) to the housing It has been found that a rudder of this configuration provides an effective directional control of the toy surfboard.

As shown in figure 2, the control and propulsion system is mounted in the cavity To assist in the flat running and in effective turning, it is preferable to have the batteries (22) located at the rear of the cavity.-The toy surfboard is powered by a suitable electric motor which is water cooled by means of the coil which has its inlet (25) and outlet positioned as shown in figure 9, such that as the toy surfboard travels through the water, WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 water flows through the coil In the embodiment shown the motor (23) is directly connected to the propeller shaft (31).

The radio control receiver (30) and operating mechanisms (28 29) are located in the front of the cavity A push rod (27) is connected from the operating mechanism (28) to a lever (not shown) rigidly connected to the rudder Another operating mechanism (29) controls the speed of the motor The antennae can be connected to the surfer figure or formed integrally therewith or even be free standing.

As in surfing, it is important that the weight distribution of the components be correct for the shape of the bottom of the board to ensure that the board runs flat and that the turns are effective.

A further embodiment of a toy surfboard is shown in-figures 11 to 16, in which the front of the board body is also upturned and is curved in profile with a small keel (32) as shown in figure 13. Further along the board body an oval shaped lifting surface (33) projects from the middle section (12) of the underneath of the board body Two concave channels (34) run on either side of the keel along the oval shaped lifting surface (33) as shown in figures 14 &15; the keel continuing along the board to form the housing (11) for the propeller A small fin (35) projects from the housing WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 11 (11) Adjacent the rear of the oval lifting surface are stepped runners (13) located on the underneath of the edges (14) as shown in figures 11 and In this embodiment a bifurcated rudder (36) is used, having the arms (38) angled away from each other and the free ends (37) of the arms (38) projecting outwardly at an angle to the plane of the arms A propeller guard similar to that of the previous embodiment can be used. Apart from the shape of the hull and propeller this embodiment is constructed in a similar manner as the previous embodiment.

A further embodiment is shown in figures 17 to 19, in which the invention is applied to a radio controlled body board toy. The underneath of the board can be similar to the previously described embodiments. However in this embodiment the keel (39) is a tear drop shaped lifting surface (40) projecting out of the plane of the underneath of the board body and similarly constructed as the oval shaped lifting surface (33) of the previous embodiment.

Stepped runners (13) extend, adjacent the edges, from approximately the middle of the board to the rear of the board.

The lay out of the components in the cavity of the board are similar to the previous embodiments,. The figure rather than standing on the cover (4) is located on the cover in a reclined position, with the legs (41) pivotally WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 12 connected to the cover such that the legs (41) move from side to side as the board turns through the water It should be obvious to people skilled in the art that variations and modifications, such as using a water jet propulsion system, or cable operated controls, can be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radio controlled toy surfboard or body board comprising: a board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a tail end; a figure of a surfer located on the top surface and being so positioned and constructed as to provide a balance to maintain and to bias the board into a flat running position; a compartment within the surfboard to hold the radio receiver and the controls and the motor; a drive propeller located near the tail of the board; and a rudder located between the propeller and the tail of the board. the bottom of the board being so shaped as to hold the waves in the same manner as a full size surfboard.

2. A radio controlled toy surfboard or body board comprising: a board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a tail end; WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 14 a figure of a surfer located on the top surface and being so positioned and constructed as to provide a balance to maintain and to bias the board into a flat running position; a compartment within the surfboard to hold the radio receiver and the controls and-the motor; a drive propeller located near the tail of the board; and a rudder located between the propeller and the tail of the board. the bottom of the board being shaped with a upswept nose portion, being rolled in cross section, with a central section having two concave channels and a stepped runner at each edge, and a relative flat section adjacent the tail, so as to hold the waves in the same manner as a full size surfboard.

3. A radio controlled toy surfboard or body board comprising: a board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a tail end; a figure of a surfer located on the top surface and being so positioned and constructed as to provide a balance to maintain and to bias the board into a flat running position; WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 a compartment within the surfboard to hold the radio receiver and the controls and the motor; a drive propeller located near the tail of the board; and a rudder located between the propeller and the tail of the board. the bottom of the board being shaped with a upswept nose portion, being rolled in cross section, with a central section having an oval shaped lifting surface extending along the board and out of the board with .two concave channels extending there along, and a stepped runner at each edge of the board, a small fin located adjacent the rear of the oval shaped lifting surface and a relative flat section adjacent the tail, so as to hold the waves in the same manner as a full size surfboard.

4. A radio controlled toy body board according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the board is shaped with a upswept nose portion, being rolled in cross section, with a central section having an tear drop shaped lifting surface extending along and out of the plane of the board with two concave channels extending there along, and a stepped runner at each edge of the board extending to and open at the tail of the board, and a relative flat section adjacent the tail.

WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 16 A radio controlled toy surfboard or body board according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the compartment is accessible from the top of the board and is releasably sealed by a cover upon which the surfer is mounted, said compartment having a radio control receiver, and steering and speed operating servo motors mounted at the front thereof, with a motor in the middle section to drive the propeller and batteries, as the power source located at the rear.

6. A radio controlled toy surfboard or body board according to claim wherein the motor is water cooled, by means of a coil mounted around the motor, and having an inlet located facing the front of the board such that as the board moves through the water, water flows through the coil, to cool the motor.

7. A radio controlled toy surfboard or body board according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rudder comprises an outer ring having a trifurcated directional blade extending therein and forwardly towards the propeller with one-of the arms of the trifurcated blade being vertically orientated with the other two arms extending along the bottom of the vertically orientated arm.

8. A radio controlled toy surfboard or body board according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rudder is bifurcated having its to arms WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813 17 extending away from the board bottom and away from each other with their free ends extending away from each other and outwardly at an angle to the plane of the respective arm.

9. A radio controlled toy surfboard or body board according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the surfer has a relative density less than that of water.

A radio controlled toy surfboard or body board according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the surfer is hingedly mountedon the board and biased to return to the surfing position so as to pivot during movement of the board and to return to the surfing position to assist in effective turning of the board.

11. A radio controlled toy body board according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the legs of the surfer extend rearwardly beyond the board and are pivotally connected to the board to pivot transversely to the plane of the board.

12 A radio controlled toy body board substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings. WO 98/23345 PCT/AU97/00813

13. A radio controlled toy surfboard substantially as herein before described with reference to figures 1 to 16 of the accompanying drawings.