GB2551222B - Slot guided motorcycle - Google Patents

Description

Slot guided motorcycle

This invention, relates to a slot guided motorcycle equipped with two electric motors both mounted strategically within the chassis of the motorcycle. One of the electric motors actuates one of the motorcycles wheels, normally the rear (but not exclusively), and provides the forward motion when in operation on the track, as already disclosed.

The second servo/small electric motor, which is mounted either vertically or horizontally, actuates the leaning of the motorcycle through a series of vertically orientated gears, mounted within a sub-frame which is concealed within the chassis of the motorcycle.

The guide blade is a two-part design. The first part has a vertical section with an integral final drive gear and pivot points attached, (this is the component that engages with the slot in the track). The second part is the horizontal section (the shoe/footplate, that sits flat on the track), and houses the electrical pick up braids, magnet/s and pivot points. These two components of the guide blade are assembled together using a removable threaded shaft inserted through the two corresponding pivot points located on both components of the guide blade, and through the two longitudinal arms/plates located on the underside of the motorcycle, and is thus afforded pivotal movement. A further unique feature of this invention is the motorcycles front wheel which is split vertically, the two halves of the wheel are mounted to a very thin metallic/plastic plate via miniature bearings. Attached to the metallic/plastic plate is a pivotal guide blade thus allowing the front wheel to follow the slot in the track, allowing for a far greater degree of realism.

Using 2.4GHz radio control technology to control this second motor enables the operator/user to control the lean of the motorcycle in a proportionally controlled manner, thus creating a much improved and realistic representation of its real counterpart. The result is to faithfully replicate the way in which a real motorcycle leans at angles in excess of 60 degrees from the vertical, without any undesirable and unsightly support beams or mechanisms.

Additionally, this invention has been designed to be operated on conventional commercially available track systems that transmits the necessary voltage required for its vehicles to operate through metal rails embedded in the surface of the track, thus making it attractive to consumers who already own "off the shelf race systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Boxed sets and individually available scale model vehicles that are intended for use on a slot track and conduct electricity through means of a guide blade remain very popular. These vehicles are operated by varying their speed using hand held controllers and are generally referred to as "slot racing'7.

Vehicles which have four wheels i.e. Cars, Trucks, Vans, and even vehicles with three wheels i.e. (motorcycle derived) Sidecars and Trikes etc., still to present day enjoy popularity due to their relative stability at all speeds. Previous attempts at producing a two-wheeled slot vehicle have proved problematical, unreliable and unrealistic. It is simply because a motorcycle only has two wheels (whether it be a toy or full size), and cannot sustain a vertical attitude whilst stationary or moving without the assistance of a third element, In the case of the full size motorcycle this third element would be the rider. However, in a toy this third element would require a new and creative approach. To date, attempts to address these issues have (in my opinion), not been completely solved on many levels for example, realism (performance related), reliability and aesthetic perspectives. A number of documents exists that detail attempts to try to solve these issues, for example. PATENT ES2067384.... Discloses a slot racing motorcycle in accordance with preface claim 1, a motor which actuates one of the two wheels supported on a chassis which incorporates a pick-up shoe featuring a central pin and brushes that make contact with the electrified rails of the track. The pickup shoe is equipped with lateral stabilising extensions consisting of supporting wheels. The motorcycle features a leaning arm linking the chassis and pick-up shoe, whereby as it travels around the track the tilting is induced on both sides due to one or more struts conferring a transversallv moving pendulum effect.

This mechanism however is mechanically complex, fragile and unrealistic to the consumer. PATENT GB2390982.... Discloses a slot racing motorcycle with the possibility of it leaning by means of an arm that projects rearwards from the pickup shoe where at its end two transversally separated magnets are mounted? These magnets interact with respective magnets mounted on the chassis of the motorcycle close to the rider's footrest so that they may keep the motorcycle at certain angles when in the curve/corner of the track.

This system presents limits to the angles of lean that the motorcycle may achieve, but more concerning are stability issues surrounding the uncontrolled nature of the magnets.

Regarding the supporting material in PATENT 2004009199 it relates to a motorcycle like that of PATENT GB2390982 which it discloses the motorcycle having supporting means constituted by respective skids at the ends of stabilising extensions, in this case the motorcycle simply does not lean at all in corners. U.S. PATENT 6626116.... Discloses a slot racing motorcycle wherein the front wheel and forks remain vertical on curves whilst the chassis and rider lean, thus simulating the appearance of the complete motorcycle leaning. The reality is that the final effect is not the most desirable of images and not appealing to the consumer. PATENT US6095892.... It should be noted that this method for a leaning motorcycle relies very much on its own special purpose track system, and so therefore will not operate on generic commercially available slot track systems that are readily available to the consumer, (unlike the motorcycle as described in my invention). Furthermore, column 4 lines 66-67 and column 5 lines 1-7, relating to a power connector post which is equipped with a short vertical lower extent, a rearwardlv extending intermediate extent and a forwardly extending upper extent. The reality is that this produces the effect of moving the motorcycle sideways (when viewed from a straight-ahead orientation), and off its projected course as it approaches a corner resulting in a loss of realism, as shown in Fig's 5 and 6 of this invention. In the case of a real motorcycle, it will not move from its projected course by its rider but will remain on its intended course until the rider induces lean by shifting his/her body position

Coupled with a little steering input, the motorcycle will then rotate around an imaginary line drawn between the front and rear tyres that are in contact with the tracks surface, therefore the motorcycle effectively rotates around its own tyres. PATENT US 2011/0151747.... Discloses a motorcycle that features a pick-up shoe equipped with lateral stabilising extensions featuring supporting means at their ends. It is equipped with a servo motor which is solidly attached to the chassis and the wheels, to a horizontal rotating spindle essentially longitudinal to the direction of travel of the motorcycle and whose output shaft comprises at its front end a first slide which moves along a vertical guide which is solidly attached to the pick-up shoe. Thus, the motorcycle may lean in towards the inside of a curve rounded by the same, due to the fact that starting from a vertical position of the motorcycle a turn of the servo motor brings about a downward movement of the first slide and a leaning of the upper part of the chassis-wheels assembly. A very similar operating system as submitted and disclosed to my invention, however on closer inspection and to someone skilled in the art, this type of design unfortunately suffers from design and operational problems, firstly its pick-up shoe Fig 1 & 2,6, and lateral stabilising extensions. 9,10, design being aesthetically undesirable as it is clearly visible and so therefore not realistic and appealing to the consumer. Secondly, when in motion and when cornering the motorcycle appears to "jack up" when it is tilted/leaned from side to side and through its vertical position, and again as described in the previously mentioned Patent US6095892, the motorcycle moves away and sideways from its projected course/line when cornering as viewed from a head-on orientation. PATENT EP2368614.... Discloses a motorcycle characterised as comprising a frame associated with chassis (10), a rear traction wheel (6), on which electric motor (12) acts, integral with frame (15), and a tilting system that tilts frame (15), in the curve of track (1), with respect to structure (16), moving rear wheel (6), with said rear wheel (6), defining a different curve trajectory to the curve trajectory of guide (4).

Again, to someone skilled in the art appears similar in operation, but the reality is that the leaning mechanism works on the principle of a pendulum effect. In this disclosure, the motorcycle does not lean until it is in the corner, the result of this causes serious stability problems with the motorcycle de-slotting relatively easily. And, as mentioned in the above patent US2011/0151747 issues regarding the motorcycles realism by exhibiting the undesirable effect of moving sideways from its centre line when negotiating a corner.

The object of this invention is to produce a means of operation for its intended use (motorcycle or otherwise), that is virtually devoid of many of the issues and problems raised in the supporting material contained within this application.

Attention is brought to its unique leaning mechanism, guide blade and its front wheel assembly. The result of this and indeed similar inventions is to create a slot guided motorcycle which can lean into and through corners, just like its real counterpart. As revealed in other disclosures, attempts to achieve this desired effect have fallen short in the interest of realism, aesthetics and reliability, and moreover, not appealing to the consumer. I believe this invention exceeds these criteria due to its concealed method of operation and supportive design features and infrastructure over other disclosures.

Also with advances in digital technology has seen the development of 2.4GHz radio control using DSS (Dynamic distribution spectrum), this system does not transmit on a single frequency but uses multiple frequencies in a controlled manner. What this means, is that multiple vehicles can be operated within range of each other without any possible corruption of radio frequency, and multiple vehicles could be operated on the same piece of track and in the same slots of the track.

SLOT GUIDED MOTORCYCLE EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a motorised slot guided motorcycle comprising, (i) a tilting gear mechanism; (ii) a two piece guide blade; (iii) a front wheel split vertically; and (iv) a main drive train motor that provides the forward motion for the motorcycle;

Preferably the tilting gear mechanism is mounted within a sub-frame that houses the tilt motor and column of gears is itself attached to the motorcycle's chassis by a single pivot shaft and is sprung loaded through a slotted hole in a manner to allow vertical movement.

Preferably the column of gears is positioned vertically within the sub-frame in a manner that when operated by the tilt motor the transference of this motion acts upon the plastic gear which is mounted on the vertical section of the two-piece guide blade.

Preferably the vertical column of gears can be operated by either a small electric reduction geared motor or radio-controlled servo motor.

Preferably the tilt motor and vertical column of gears are completely contained within the sub-frame.

Preferably the sub-frame containing the tilt motor and vertical column of gears, is mounted to the motorcycle's chassis and not visible on any external part of the fully assembled motorcycle.

Preferably the two-piece guide blade mechanism comprises, (i) a vertical section designed to be positioned in the slot of the running track; (ii) a horizontal section which is pivotally mounted to the vertical section to which the electrical pick-up braids are attached.

Preferably the vertical section of the two-piece guide blade is attached to a horizontal section by a threaded shaft and is allowed pivotal movement between the two sections.

Preferably the vertical section of the two-piece guide blade is moulded as a one-piece design consisting of pivot tubes and a section of plastic gear.

Preferably the horizontal section contains a non-specified number of magnet/s.

Preferably the horizontal section allows the pick-up braids to be secured in a manner to present no open end to the tracks surface.

Preferably the two-piece guide blade is attached to the tilting mechanism via a removable threaded shaft.

Preferably the front wheel is split vertically into two separate halves.

Preferably the two separate wheel halves are attached to either side of a thin metallic/plastic plate of the same diameter of the wheel halves by miniature ball bearings.

Preferably the thin metallic/plastic plate is prevented from rotating by a predetermined positioned locating lug.

Preferably the thin metallic/plastic plate has a pivot tube solidly located at a pre-determined point around its perimeter.

Preferably the thin metallic/plastic plates pivot tube is designed for attachment of a guide blade which also has a pivot tube located along its upper edge and is secured to the thin metallic/plastic plates pivot tube by a threaded shaft, thus allowing lateral pivotal movement.

Preferably the complete front wheel assembly Is secured to the motorcycle's front fork assembly by a single threaded axle.

Preferably the drive train motor is positioned at a pre-determined point along the motorcycle's swinging arm.

Preferably the power from the drive train motor is transmitted through a series of reduction gears which are located within one of the arms of the swinging arm.

Preferably the drive transmitted from the drive train motor and through the series of reduction gears is terminated at a geared hub located on the motorcycle's rear wheel.

Preferably all the motorised slot guided motorcycle's operating components i.e. drive train motor, reduction gears and final drive hub, are completely enclosed within the swinging arm.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A detailed description of a preferred, (but not exclusive), embodiment of a slot guided motorcycle being the object of this invention is made below. For reasons of clarity and to provide a better understanding of the same, it is accompanied by detailed drawings wherein, as a non-limited example, embodiments of this invention are portrayed.

Fig 1 Shows an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of the toy showing one of two design versions (although not preferred), for attachment of the guide blade 33.

Fig 2 Shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the toy, as shown in Fig 1.

Fig 3 Shows completed views of the embodiment of the toy as shown in Fig's 1 &2.

Fig 4 Shows different and completed isometric views of the embodiment of the toy, as shown in Fig's 1,2, & 3.

Fig 5 Shows a preferred, (but not exclusive), embodiment of a controller for use in conjunction with the toy.

Fig 6 Shows a hybrid schematic drawing encompassing the two preferred (although not exclusive), alternate designs for attachment of the guide blades 33 or 4/31 as shown in fig's 1,2,3,4,8 & 9.

Fig 7 Shows a detailed isometric drawing of a preferred, (but not exclusive), design concept for an alternative internal gear mechanism for the operation of the leaning motorcycle toy.

Fig 8 Shows an isometric view for the horizontal section of the guide blade showing the concealed magnet/s 21, and the locating cutaway 23, for the vertical section 4.

Fig 9 Shows an isometric view of the vertical section of the guide blade showing the integral gear 26, pivot tube 25, and removable threaded shaft 36.

Fig 10 Shows an exploded schematic view of the motorcycles front wheel.

Fig 11 Shows a cutaway side and an overhead plan elevation of the motorcycles rear swinging arm 47, and wheel 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, the operational design and mode for this slot guided motorcycle as shown in (fig's 1 to 4, & 6), of the present invention may be scrutinised. In the interest of clarity, it should be observed that the schematic drawing as depicted in (fig 6), combines the two possible operating linkages that connect the tilt mechanism to the guide blade i.e. vertical mounting plates 49 and 6, or vertical mounting tubes 32 and 34. It should be noted that either of the two methods of attachment are completely self-contained and concealed within the motorcycles chassis/fairing 3, thus greatly enhancing the effect of realism. For reasons of greater clarity, the diagram as shown in (Fig's 2 & 4b), the guide blade's vertical section 4f has been purposely shortened to enable examination of the guide blade's individual components i.e. pick up braids 15 and magnet/s 21. It should also be noted and observed that the guide blade as shown in (Fig 1,2,3 & 4) 33, would only be used in conjunction with vertical mounting plates 49,6.

The motorcycle is equipped with an electric drive motor 9, which is attached to the chassis of the motorcycle and provides drive via a bevelled pinion gear 18, attached to the motors drive shaft to a bevelled crown gear 17, which is attached to the, (although not exclusively), rear wheel 2. (see Figs 1 & 2), and in a manner as already disclosed. A preferred alternative method (Fig's 11a,lib) of delivering this drive to the motorcycles (although not exclusive), rear wheel 2, would involve the use of a miniature electric reduction geared motor 9, positioned in the motorcycles swinging arm 47, miniature gears 52, located within the swinging arm 47, and therefore be completely concealed, would deliver this drive to the wheel 2, via a hub gear 53, located at the centre of the wheel 2.

Electrical power to the motor 9, is regulated by the operator via a hand-held controller (Fig 5), 28, (as already disclosed), by squeezing a spring-loaded trigger 29, thus controlling the speed of the slot guided vehicle. The slot guided vehicle conducts this electrical power via electrical rails embedded in the tracks surface 35, as already disclosed.

The complete front wheel assembly (Fig 1-4, & 6) 5, is split vertically into two halves 41, (Fig 10). Positioned between the two wheel halves 41, is a very thin metallic/plastic plate 42, the same diameter as the two wheel halves 41. Located either side of the thin metallic/plastic plate 42, and at its centre are machined hubs containing miniature bearings 43, to which the two wheel halves 41, are located, thus allowing each wheel halve to rotate independently of each other. The thin metallic/plastic plate 42, has a locating lug 39, designed to prevent the metallic/plastic plate 42, from rotating when the motorcycle is in motion. Located at a predetermined point around the metallic/plastic plate's 42, perimeter is a pivot point 44, at which is attached a vertically orientated guide blade 8, thus allowing limited pivotal movement. As previously described this innovation enables the completed front wheel assembly 5, to realistically replicate and follow the slot in the track thereby imitating the steering input imposed by the rider of its real counterpart. This innovation also helps to eliminate 'chatter' and 'vibration', a phenomenon known as 'tank slapping7 on the full-size motorcycle.

Located within the motorcycles chassis 3, may be (although not exclusively), a small battery 7, (as already disclosed), which provides power on command from the hand-held controller (Fig 5) 28, via it's gimbal lever/wheel 30, to the second electric motor/servo (Fig's 1,2,6 & 7) 12, which operates the vertically orientated stack of gears (Fig's 1,2,6 & 7), 48, or 20, which are mounted within the vertical plates (Fig's 1,2,6) 49 6, or gear column supports (Fig 7) 22. The drawing as depicted in (Fig 7) showing the preferred method (although not exclusive), of operation, embodies a pivot shaft 38, located midway along the sub-frame 45, this pivot shaft is thus attached to the motorcycles chassis 3 at a pre-determined point along an axis line 50, drawn between the front and rear wheel's axles 5, 2, as shown in (Fig 3a). It is through this vertically orientated stack of gears 48/20, that delivers the required motion to the final gear (Fig 9) 26, which is an integral part of the vertical section 4, of the two-part guide blade (Fig 8,9) 4, 31.

This innovative two-part guide blade 4,31, is unique because it solves so many problems associated with slot operated vehicles in general, i.e. it allows for and accommodates imperfections in the race tracks surface 35, in particular the joints between each track section.

The pick-up braids as depicted in (Fig 2,8) 15, can now be laid flat against the underside of the horizontal section (Fig 8) 31, because the magnet/s 21, contained within this horizontal section 31, would assist in maintaining improved electrical contact between the pick-up braids 15 and the tracks embedded metallic electric rails, through magnetic attraction. This also greatly improves the serviceability of the pick-up braids 15 because they are not attached open ended to the horizontal section 31, (which, up to present day practice has been the accepted and preferred method of attachment), as depicted in (Fig 6 & 8) 15.

As can be observed in (Fig 9), the vertical section 4, is placed in the slot of the track which ultimately determines the course of the vehicles direction.

Situated along its uppermost edge is a hollow tube 25, which acts as a pivot for the horizontal section (Fig 8) 31. Located midway along this upper edge of the vertical section (Fig 9) 4, is a final gear 26.

The second component of the guide blade is the horizontal section (Fig 8) 31, this horizontal section 31, contains the magnet/s 21, whose purpose is to attract the horizontal section 31, (when placed in the tracks slot), to the metal electrical conducting rails of the track, thus affording stability for the motorcycle whilst stationary or when in motion, and as previously mentioned to provide improved and consistent electrical contact between the pick-up braids 15, and the tracks electrical rails.

The vertical section 4, is positioned through the cutaway (Fig 8) 23, of the horizontal section 31, and is then attached to the motorcycles vertical mounting plates (Fig's 1,2 & 6) 49,6, or vertical mounting tubes (Fig's 6 & 7) 32, 34, (whichever is the preferred method of attachment), via a removable threaded shaft (Fig 9), 36, thus allowing pivotal movement between the two completed guide blade components 4,31, and limited independent movement for the horizontal section 31. Both the vertical mounting plates 49,6, and the vertical mounting tubes 32,34, are equipped with miniature tension springs whose purpose is to maintain positive engagement between the final gear (Fig 9) 26, and the vertically orientated stack of gears 20,48. For reasons of clarity and understanding of same, attention is drawn to (Fig 7), showing the location of miniature tension spring 50, inside the vertical mounting outer tubes 13,16. The above-mentioned tension springs also serve to minimise damage to the

Guide blade assembly 4,31, and the vertically orientated stack of gears 20, by providing a proportionate degree of shock absorption that may be caused by mis-use or impact.

In summary, this invention achieves a much more realistic leaning action thanks to its unique and concealed internal operating gear system. Unlike other disclosures, this invention's operating mechanism allows the motorcycle to lean about an axis along a line drawn longitudinally between the contact patches of the front and rear tyres, as shown in (Fig 6), 35, in comparison to a full-size motorcycle.

Having described this invention sufficiently it should be noted that anything that does not modify, change or alter the basic operating principle may be subject to variations in detail, cosmetic or otherwise.

Claims (22)

1. A motorised slot guided motorcycle comprising, (i) A tilting gear mechanism; (ii) A two-piece guide blade; (iii) A front wheel split vertically; (iv) A main drive train motor that provides the forward motion for the motorcycle;

2. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the tilting gear mechanism is mounted within a sub-frame that houses the tilt motor and column of gears is itself attached to the motorcycle's chassis by a single pivot shaft and is sprung loaded through a slotted hole in a manner to allow vertical movement

3. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according claims 1 & 2, wherein a vertical column of gears is positioned within the sub-frame in a manner that when operated by the tilt motor the transference of this motion acts upon the plastic gear which is mounted on the vertical section of the two-piece guide blade.

4. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 1,2 & 3, wherein the vertical column of gears can be operated by a small electric reduction geared motor.

5. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 1,2,3 & 4, wherein the tilt motor and vertical column of gears are completely contained within the sub-frame.

6. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the sub-frame containing the tilt motor, vertical column of gears, is mounted to the motorcycle's chassis and not visible on any external part of the fully assembled motorcycle.

7. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the two-piece guide blade mechanism comprises, (i) A vertical section designed to be positioned in the slot of the running track; (ii) A horizontal section which is pivotally mounted to the vertical section to which the electrical pick-up braids are attached.

8. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claim 7, wherein the vertical section of the two-part guide blade is attached to a horizontal section by a threaded shaft and is allowed pivotal movement between the two sections.

9. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 7 & 8, wherein the vertical section is moulded as a one-piece design consisting of pivot tubes and a section of plastic gear.

10. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 7,8 & 9, wherein the horizontal section contains a non-specified number of magnet/s.

11. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 7 to 10, wherein the horizontal section allows the pick-up braids to be secured in a manner to present no open end to the tracks surface.

12. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 7 to 11, wherein the two-piece guide blade is attached to the tilting mechanism as described in claims 1 to 6, via a removable threaded shaft.

13. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein its front wheel is split vertically into two separate halves.

14. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claim 13, wherein the two separate wheel halves are attached to either side of a thin metallic/plastic plate of the same diameter of the wheel halves by miniature ball bearings.

15. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 13 & 14, wherein the thin metallic/plastic plate is prevented from rotating by a pre-determined positioned locating lug.

16. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 13,14 & 15, wherein the thin metallic/plastic plate has a pivot tube solidly located at a pre-determined point around its perimeter.

17. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claim 16, wherein the thin metallic/plastic plates pivot tube is designed for attachment of a guide blade which also has a pivot tube located along its upper edge and is secured to the thin metallic/plastic plates pivot tube by a threaded shaft, thus allowing lateral pivotal movement.

18. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 13 to 17, wherein the complete front wheel assembly is secured to the motorcycles front fork assembly by a single threaded axle

19. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claim 1, whose main drive train motor is positioned at a pre-determined point along the motorcycles swinging arm.

20. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claim 19, wherein the power from the drive train motor is transmitted through a series of reduction gears which are located within one of the arms of the swinging arm.

21. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 19 & 20, wherein the drive transmitted from the drive train motor and through the series of reduction gears is terminated at a geared hub located on the motorcycles rear wheel.

22. The motorised slot guided motorcycle according to claims 19 to 21, wherein all its operating components i.e. drive train motor, reduction gears and final drive hub, are completely enclosed within the swinging arm.