GB2510112A

GB2510112A - A toy vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2510112A
Application number: GB201301161A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Pretorius
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-01-23
Filing date: 2013-01-23
Publication date: 2014-07-30
Also published as: GB201301161D0

Abstract

A toy vehicle comprises a vehicle chassis with at least three wheels attached. The vehicle further comprises a body. At least one of said wheels are arranged to be turned with reference to the chassis using a steering mechanism 11. The steering mechanism is operable by a steering wheel 5 arranged detachably on a pole 15. The pole 15 is capable of separation from said body and extension relative to said body. The pole 15 extends beyond the body in use. The steering mechanism 11 may include a rack and pinion.

Description

A TOY VEHICLE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a toy vehicle, particularly but not exclusively a toy vehicle for indoor and outdoor improvement of motor skills.

Background

Many types of toy are available so as to provide entertainment and activities for children. Additionally children's toys often have multiple purposes such as to provide objects to play with but to also have learning benefits such as to improve their coordination skills, such as walking1 or colour and shape recognition.

A number of toy vehicles are available for children to play with where they can simulate the vehicle moving by pulling or pushing it along. Often a child will be seated or crawling whilst doing this as the vehicle is typically small.

In some embodiments a large toy may be provided in which the child can play in but is typically sat in whilst playing.

Other toys are developed to encourage a child to stand and play wherein the child holds a handle to pull or push the vehicle. However often the handle is provided at a fixed position and may nOt be suitable for some sizes of children or for some environments and the toy may be difficult to manoeuvre in particular directions.

The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with providing a toy vehicle which a child may play with whilst standing.

rH 30 Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

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United States patent application US 4 317 307 (CONRY) discloses a walk behind toy comprising; a base having a fore and aft axis; a pair of spaced wheels disposed on said base, laterally of said fore and aft axis for rotation about a horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to said fore and aft axis; a transverse bearing block supported above said base, for pivotal or rocking movement about a transverse axis, said bearing black including a bore extending in a fore and aft direction; a torsionally rigid steering column having a first generally horizontal tubular portion pivotably disposed in the bore in said bearing block, and a second portion inclined upwardly at an angle relative to said first portion; means drivably coupling the first portion of said steering column to the bore in said bearing block; and a steering wheel affixed to the upper end of the second portion of said steering column whereby the base is free to rotate about the horizontal axis of rotation of said wheels while rotating about a vertical axis of said base.

United States patent application US 2 647 343 (JULIO) discloses a steered trundle * toy comprising a pair of wheels, a linked lever frame in the fern of an articulated parallelogram having a first pair of relatively long levers and a second pair of * relatively short levers, a steering wheel, a Steering shaft having a free end, said steering wheel being mounted on said free end Of said Steering shaft a journal having two ends for said steering shaft, said journal being supported by one of said levers of said first pair of relatively long levers and adjacent thereto, the axis of said journal forming an acute angle with the plane defined by said parallelogram, said steering shaft projecting out on one end of said journal and extending beyond the other lever of said pair of relatively long levers and having at the end thereof said steering wheel, the length of said projecting part of said steering Shaft between said journal and said steering wheel being sufficient to provide the necessary distance between said parallelogram and said steering Wheel to provide room for an operator of the toy, a portion of said steering shaft emerging out of the other end of said journal forming a crank substantially in a parallel plane with regard to the plane formed by said parallelogram, the axis of said crank forming with the axis of said steering shaft an acute angle substantially equal to the angle formed between said *:e** 30 journal and said parallelogram plane, said crank being operatively connected with the other lever of said pair of relatively long levers, said levers of said second pair of relatively short levers each supporting a stub shaft having a free end on which one wheel of said pair of wheels is rotatably mounted, a pair of bars connected to the lever supporting said journal said pair of bars being in spaced relationship with each other, one on each side of said steering shaft, said bars having slots, a belt passing through said slats, said belt having two free ends provided With Separable pressure fastening means, said steering shaft and said bars being of the telescopic type.

United States patent application US 1 996 546 (JOEL) discloses a guiding device for toy cars, comprising an angularly bent guiding lever pivoted in the vehicle, an arm attached to the front axle of the vehicle and having a slot therein, an arm of said lever extending through said slot the other portion of said bent lever being supported by the rear wall of the hood, a control rod, a universal joint conhecting said lever and said control rod and a handle on the free end of the control rod.

In contrast the present invention irovides an adjustable, easily adaptable means of practising a user's motor skills whilst having play in a great number of different sized spaces.

Sunimarv of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a toy vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis with at least three wheels attached, and in which the vehicle further comprises a body, wherein at least one of said wheels are arranged to be turned with reference to the chassis using a steering mechanism wherein said steering mechanism is operable by a steering wheel arranged detachably on a pole, and wherein said pole is capable of separation from said body and extension relative to said body; characterised in that the pole extends beyond the body in use.

The vehicle may be arranged in use to receive a plurality of bodies, wherein the detachable wheel and/or separable pole allow different bodies to be used on the chassis. Typically the steering mechanism is rack and pinion.

* This vehicle may be embodied in a four wheeled toy comprising: a chassis with ****; 30 wheels capable of being rolled which accepts interchangeable bodies, in which the vehicle comprises two steerable wheels capable of being turned by means of a turning assembly embodied in the rack and pinion mechanism, the vehicle further comprises a pole forming a steering column, and a steering wheel or handle, wherein the column length is adjustable so as to vary the distance of a user from the chassis, so as to accommodate different size spaces.

Preferably the vehicle may be pushed or pulled by the user or child. Additionally the turning assembly may be engaged locally or relatively remotely in order to turn at least one of the wheels so that the user may steer the vehicle.

Typically the toy vehicle is a vehicle such as a car, tractor or truck. Therefore preferably the chassis includes four wheels, namely two front steerable wheels and two rear fixed wheels. In some embodiments the chassis may include more or less wheels for example so as to represent a tricycle or lorry.

Preferably the wheels may be removable from the chassis so that the type of wheel can be changed so as to alter appearance of the vehicle. Ideally the wheels may be fastened by means of a push-fitting such as mushroom style clips, wherein said clips removably accept the wheels.

Preferably front wheels are capable of turning and rolling whilst rear wheels only roll.

Typically steering is enabled by the mechanism.

In preferred embodiments the mechanism enables the wheels to be turned in response to a rotary force which causes the wheels to move so as to steer the vehicle; straight, left or right. Typically the rotary force is provided by the user turning the handle.

Ideally the column is attached to the handle at a first end and the column is connected to the mechanism at the column's second end. Therefore the rotary force generated by turning the handle and thereby the column also activates the mechanism to which the column's second end is attached. * . .

* . In preferred embodiments the handle may be a steering wheel mounted to the * column's first end thereby giving the sensation of steering the vehicle. Therefore as *....; 30 the steering wheel is turned the column rotates to engage the mechanism.

In preferred embodiments the mechanism enables two front wheels to be turned in S...

unison wherein the mechanism comprises: a rack and pinion, at least one axle, at least two kingpins and two connecting bars.

Preferably the mechanism parts are comprised from a lightweight, durable material such as a thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Some parts such as the pinion may be formed from metal so as to be harder wearing due to repeated use under friction.

The rack and pinion mechanism converts the rotational force provided from the handle being turned into a linear motion enabling the rack to be moved in a horizontal plane from left to right thereby enabling steering of both front wheels.

Typically the rack is moved as the pinion rotates in response to the user turning the handle. Ideally the turning assembly comprises a pair of stub axles, mounted either side of the chassis front, linked to the chassis by a pair of kingpins.

Preferably the rack ends are connected to the stub axles by means of the connecting bars1 therefore linking movement of both front wheels so that movement of the rack causes movement of the wheels via the axles and the kingpins that enable pivoting in response to movement of the rack.

in preferred embodiments the connecting bars are formed from silicon, being lightweight and durable, wherein said bars may be readily attached to the rack and axle wherein a predefined loop on the bar is stretched into positioned over moulded pins provided on the racks and axles.

Preferably the rack and pinion is geared to provide one full rotation of the column of 360 degrees to the right and one full rotation to the left to obtain lockout of the wheels in either direction wherein therefore the user learns to steer with a geared ratio. This may be advantageous for later stages of the user's life such as learning to drive.

* In preferred embodiments the chassis accepts interchangeable bodies so that the appearance of the vehicle may be changed. Preferably the bodies represent different vehicles such as sports cars or tractors.

Advantageously the body is interchangeable so as to provide variety for the user and *:*.; so as to be able to appeal to more than one user, so for example the vehicle may be shared.

Ideally the body is arranged in use to be accepted onto at least one rod located on the chassis wherein the rod preferably projects upwards so as to receive the cover.

Typically more than one rod location is provided on the chassis so that the rod may be repositioned in order to accommodate different bodies without requirement for a new chassis.

In some embodiments the upper portion of the rod may include a twist lock which typically protrudes through a hole in the body when in place. Ideally the twist lock is engaged in order to secure the body to the chassis by preventing the body from being removed from the rods without undoing the twist lock due to the twist lock being rotated so that it may not pass through the holes when the vehicle is in use.

In preferred embodiments the body may include an aperture shaped and dimensioned to accept the column so that the mechanism is operable when the body is in place. Ideally the column is positioned in use so as to extend from the vehicle rear whereby the user may stand/walkirun to control the vehicle without the vehicle being in the way of the user's feet whilst moving.

Typically the column is set or provided at an angle between 30 -80 degrees, for example 45 degrees in relation to the ground, so as to be at optimal height and position for the user.

In preferred embodiments the column length is adjustable. Preferably the column comprises at least two parts where in one part may be removed in order to reduce length of the column. Ideally the column is formed from a lightweight, durable material such as a high density polyethylene (HDPE).

* * Typically the column parts may be arranged in use to be joined by an interlocking assembly which enables the parts to be readily assembled by an adult or child.

Preferably the interlocking assembly may be sprung so as to reduce the likelihood of * the parts disconnecting in use. For example the parts may be compressed and twisted in order to connect and separate the parts. In some embodiments the column may be connected by means of a hole and pin assembly wherein the pin may be depressed or removed from the hole in order to connect or disconnect the column.

*. fl 35 It may be envisaged that the chassis or body may include a clip for storing the column part when not in use, for example wherein an extension part for the column may be clipped or maintained under the chassis when not in use.

In some embodiments the column may be telescopic so as to enable a variety of column lengths to be provided. Typically the telescopic sections may lock in place by a recess and pin assembly so as prevent collapse in use.

Additionally the handle or steering wheel is preferably removably attached to the column, so as to allow the column to be readily inserted through an aperture in the body. Ideally the handle may be attached to the column by means of a screw fitting.

Typically the column's first end may include a thread so as to allow the steering wheel to be removably attached. Therefore the column's first end may be passed through the aperture on the body and then have the steering wheel attached by means of a bolt. It may be envisaged that the bolt may be adapted to represent part of the steering wheel for example the bolt may be a horn.

Alternatively the steering wheel may removably connect to the column by means of a push or clip fitting.

In some embodiments the body may include a slot through which the column is accepted so that the angle at which the column extends from the turning assembly relative to the ground may be altered, for example to accommodate user height and length of the column.

Advantageously the vehicle may be therefore adapted for users of different sizes and for different locations of play, for example whilst indoors the column may be * shortened to avoid knocking into items whereas outdoors the column may be at an *....: 30 extended or full length. 4* £ S...

Brief Description of Figures

t. *1I.* Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the toy vehicle: Figure 2 shows a view from behind of the turning assembly shown in the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a detail view of a steering wheel in use on an embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a view from front of the turning assembly shown in the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 5 show an isometric view of the chassis as shown in the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 show parts of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. And

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Descriøtion of Figures With reference to the figures there is provided a child controlled toy car that is steerable, size adjustable to develop gross and fine motor skills as well as balance and concentration from a young age as well as being fun to play with. * * S * * *

* The invention allows embodiments that are unique, durable and easy to assemble * I* * 5* * and personalise, encouraging teamwork between adults and children.

****** * The chassis can be adjusted to accommodate several different car bodies for endless customisation and improved product longevity. ****

S lass

*:i The column has a displaceable and detachable section that once removed needs to be kept somewhere safe so that the steering column can be extended when the user has more room to play with the toy.

Therefore, underneath the chassis are grip clips where the column can be stored.

The extendable steering column fixes to the steering wheel using the same mushroom shaped clip as used to hold the wheels to the stub axle. Screw on steering wheels could otherwise be developed in order that the user could swap their wheel to fit with the type of car e.g. monster, rally1 sports.

Rods are provided which join the chassis to the body (not shown) and have a moulded screw thread at their bottom which fit into holes on the chassis, so depending on the shape of the body attached to the chassis, the rods can be moved to suit. On top of the rods are simple twist clips that would allow the body to slide over the top of them, and then lock into place when the clip is rotated.

Alternatively, each car body could have thinner rods attached to the inside of them in the same position as those on the chassis wherein coaxial positioning causes engagement.

For example all bodies then may have thin rectangular cutouts in positions that match some of the holes in the chassis wherein the rods attached to the chassis have a screwthread moulded to their bases so that they can be removed and re-attached in the holes, corresponding to the body that is to be attached. A key may allow the user to move the rods at the rear of the chassis, to the middle holes for a smaller body, or to back holes for a larger body.

All the bodies thereby have the slimmer rods attached to the inside of them when manufactured, these would then slot into the rods on the chassis. This way there would be no need for the rods attached to the chassis to move position.

The slot cut out in each body would line up with the rods and once the rods are lined up correctly and the body is on top of the rods, the clip on top of the rods can be turned to lock the body in position.

With reference to the figures the following parts are presented: HDPE car alloy wheels 1 : ABS stub axle 2 mounted in use on an ABS kingpin 20 Silicone rubber link arms 3 ABS steering wheel 4 ABS horn' to fasten steering wheel to steering column S HDPE steering wheel-to-column extension 6 Quick release mechanism includes steel stop collar and spring 7 (shown with spring 17 compressed by collar 18, Figure 3) HDPE plug rods that allow for different height car bodies to be attached to the chassis 8 HDPE steering column 9 Interchangeable car body 10, Figure 3 Rack and pinion mechanism 11 ABS car chassis 12 ABS connecting bar 13 Circular connection pieces x2 14 HDPE steering column extension 15 Rod adjustment holes 16 In order to construct the vehicle the following steps are taken, either in use or at retail or manufacture: The rear wheels 1 are fastened to the chassis 12 by pushing them onto mushroom style clips 19 that are moulded at the rear of the chassis 12.

The stub axles 2, kingpins 20 and connecting bar 21 can then be attached to the chassis and screwed into place. This will allow the front wheels 1 to be attached to the chassis 12.

The rack and pinion mechanism 11 can be assembled as shown and attached to the chassis 12 using washers and screws.

The silicone link arms 3 can then be stretched over the moulded pins on the rack and r: pinion, and on the ends of the stub axles 2.

The circular connecting pieces 14 can then be attached to the rack and pinion :: 35 mechanism 11, locking the rack and pinion 1 ito the steering column 9.

The rods 8 can be placed in their corresponding numbered holes 16 based on which car body 10 will be applied to the chassis 12.

The vehicle or car body 10 can then be placed over the top of the chassis 12 and be fastened by twisting clips.

The steering wheel can be connected to the column 6 or 15 by pushing it over thread end and screwing on the horn'.

The steering wheel can be connected to the column by pushing it over and screwing on the horn 5.

To adjust the size of the steering column 6, the joint lock collar 18 needs to be pulled downwards to reveal a teardrop shaped joint of two parts. The two parts can then be separated.

to attach the steering wheel 4 up close to the vehicle or to re-extend the steering column 6 the joint lock collar 18 can be pulled down again, the teardrop joint inserted and the joint lock collar 18 released.

To swap the car body 10, the steering column extension 15 and steering wheel 4 need to first be removed. Clips that fasten the car body 10 to the chassis 12 can then be twisted parallel with their respective slots. The car body 10 can then be lifted off the chassis 12 and over the small amount of the steering column 6 that is still attached to the steering mechanism 11.

To accommodate for different sized car bodies 10 that can be attached to the chassis 12, the rods 8 can be moved in and out of the holes 16 at the front and back. The :.". new car body 10 can be slipped over the steering column 6 and the clips twisted *. 30 backtotheir locked position.

The specially modified rack and pinion mechanism 11 allows the steering wheel 4 to complete one whole rotation to have the alloy wheels 1 locked fully to each side.

Turning the steering wheel 4 one whole 360 rotation back the opposite way takes the . .: alloy wheels 1 back to the central position.

Another whole turn locks the wheels ito turn the car the other way The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to* those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. * * * * * * . * * * * .*

Claims

Claims 1. A toy vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis with at least three wheels attached, and in which the vehicle further comprises a body, wherein at least one of said wheels are arranged to be turned with reference to the chassis using a steering mechanism, wherein said steering mechanism is operable by a steering wheel arranged detachably on a pole, and wherein said pole is capable of separation from said body and extension relative to said body; characterised in that the pole extends beyond the body in use.
2. A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the mechanism is rack and pinion.
3. A vehicle with reference to the figures.
4. A kit of parts for constructing a toy vehicle according to any of the preceding claims.
5. A method of constructing a toy vehicle as substhntially described herein. S. * * S * * .Sfl.S S* S... *5*S S. SS S S.Amendments to claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A toy vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis with at least three detachable wheels, and in which the vehicle further comprises a body, wherein at least one of the wheels are arranged to be turned with reference to the chassis using a steering mechanism, wherein said steering mechanism is operable by a steering wheel arranged detachably on a pole, and wherein said pole is capable of separation from and extension relative to said body, wherein the pole extends beyond the body in use, and wherein the vehicle is arranged in use to receive a plurality of interchangeable bodies, and wherein the detachable wheels and/or separable pole allow different bodies to be used on the chassis.2. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the steering mechanism is rack and pinion.3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, in which the steering mechanism comprises a rack and pinion, at least one axle, at least two kingpins and two connecting bars.4. A vehicle as claimed in either of claims 2 and 3, in which the rack and pinion is geared to provide one full rotation of the pole of 360 degrees to the right and one full rotation of the pole of 360 degrees to the left to obtain lockout of the wheels.S. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the wheels are fastened to the chassis by means of a push fitting.
6. A kit of parts for constructing a toy vehicle according to any preceding claim.
7. A method of constructing a toy vehIcle as substantially described herein.