WO1999025442A1

WO1999025442A1 - Toy having antenna

Info

Publication number: WO1999025442A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/004149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Catherine H. Behun; Robert A. Sainati; Kaileen Chen; Janelle D. Hildebrandt
Original assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
Priority date: 1997-11-17
Filing date: 1998-03-04
Publication date: 1999-05-27
Also published as: AU6445898A

Abstract

External antenna for use in toy remote control assemblies. In one aspect, the present invention provides a flexible antenna which can be flexed to fit a wide variety of external housings of remote control devices and toys (e.g., toy vehicles). The flexible antenna may include an electrically conductive layer coupled to a flexible substrate, wherein the electrically conductive layer is in the shape of an antenna pattern.

Description

TOY HAVING ANTENNA

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an antenna for remote controlled toys.

Background of the Invention Remote controlled toys (e.g., remote control cars and boats), typically have a

generally rigid wire antenna extending from both the transmitting, remote control device and the receiving, remote control toy vehicle, although some remote controlled vehicles (e.g., a remote controlled toy car commercially available under the trade designation "RICHOCHET" from Hasbro, Inc., of Pawtucket, RI) have the antenna

(e.g., spiral wire) concealed in the vehicle. Remote control devices used for remote

controlled toy vehicles transmit a radio frequency signal (e.g., typically 27 MHz or 49 MHz in the United States) via the rigid wire antenna (which may be a retractable antenna) to the antenna in or on the remote control toy vehicle for operation of the

vehicle. The antennae are often unavoidably damaged by children, such as being bent

or broken, during normal use of the toy. For safety purposes, some wire antennas are

often partially coated with plastic. The remote control device transmitters typically

have a range of up to 18.3-22.9m (60-75 feet).

The required length of the antenna is a function of the operating frequency.

Ideally, for a monopole antenna (e.g., the rigid wire antenna on the remote control

device), the length of the wire should be about a 1/4 wavelength. This translates into a

length of about 2.77 m (109 inches) at 27 MHz or about 1.52 m (60 inches) at 49

MHz. Since these lengths are impractical for remote controlled toys, much shorter

antennas are employed. The use of much shorter antennas requires additional circuit tuning elements, such as inductors and capacitors, to compensate for the shorter antenna length. The compensated antenna is never as good as a correct length antenna, so usually there is some minimum length which is needed for satisfactory

performance.

Some consumer radio frequency based products (e.g., garage door openers or

telephones) operate at significantly higher frequencies than remote controlled toys

(e.g., 400 MHz garage door openers or 900 MHz telephones). Garage door openers typically have no external antennae, instead having a conducting trace along the edge of a printed circuit board containing the transmitter electronics. The trace serves as the transmitting antenna and fits within the remote transmitter housing. As previously

stated, required antenna length is related to the device transmitting frequency (i.e., the

higher the frequency, the shorter the required antenna length). Since garage door openers generally operate at 400 MHz, about ten times the frequency of remote controlled toys, only a relatively short conducting trace is necessary (i.e., a few

inches).

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a flexible antenna for use in remote control toys

including remote control devices and remote control vehicles (including cars or boats).

When attached to the exterior surface of the remote control device housing, this

flexible antenna is capable of mounting flush to both flat and curved exterior surfaces

of the housing. Embodiments of the present invention can avoid the attendant

problems of conventional external rigid wire antennas which protrude from the remote

control device and can be easily bent or broken during normal use. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a remote control device for use with a remote control toy, the remote control device including a flexible antenna mechanism. The flexible antenna mechanism comprises a flexible substrate and an electrically conductive layer. A controller is electrically coupled to a user input mechanism for transmitting an output signal to the remote control toy via the flexible

antenna mechanism, wherein the output signal is representative of a control input

received from the user input mechanism. The remote control device may include a housing, wherein the flexible antenna mechanism may be at least partially coupled to an external surface of the housing.

The electrically conductive layer may be on a major surface of the flexible substrate. The electrically conductive layer may include a highly electrically

conductive metallic material (e.g., copper). The flexible substrate preferably includes a dielectric material (e.g., a polymeric material, such as polyester).

The flexible substrate and the electrically conductive layer may be curved. The

antenna pattern may correspond to the shape of the housing. For example, the antenna

pattern may be an open loop, spiral shape, or slot antenna pattern. The antenna may

be located partially in the housing.

The controller may include a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting the

output signal via the flexible antenna mechanism. In one application, for example, the

output signal is a radio frequency signal transmitted at 49 MHz. In another application, for example, the output signal is a radio frequency signal transmitted at 27

MHz.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a remote controlled toy assembly. The assembly includes a remote control device having a housing and a flexible transmitting antenna mechanism which may be coupled to an external surface of the housing. The flexible transmitting antenna mechanism includes a flexible

substrate and an electrically conductive layer. A controller is electrically coupled to a user input mechanism for transmitting output signals via the flexible transmitting antenna mechanism. The output signals are representative of a control input received from the user input mechanism. A remote control toy is responsive to the output

signals for operation of the remote control toy.

The electrically conductive layer is typically on a major surface of the flexible substrate. The conductive layer includes a highly conductive material. The flexible

substrate includes a dielectric material. Additionally, the remote controlled toy includes a housing, a flexible receiving antenna mechanism coupled to an external

surface of the housing, a control mechanism and a power source coupled to the control

mechanism. The flexible receiving antenna is coupled to the control mechanism for

receiving the output signals. Optionally, the flexible receiving antenna could be

partially concealed within the housing. The flexible receiving antenna mechanism

comprises a flexible substrate and an electrical conductor.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a remote control device for

use with a remote control toy. The remote control device includes a housing having an

exterior surface, and an antenna mechanism coupled to the exterior surface of the housing. The antenna mechanism includes an electrically conductive layer positioned on (e.g., deposited on or otherwise applied, or at least partially embedded within) the exterior surface of the housing. A user input mechanism is provided. A controller is

electrically coupled to the user input mechanism for transmitting an output signal to the remote control toy via the antenna mechanism, wherein the output signal is representative of a control input received from the user input mechanism.

In this application, the term highly electrically conductive refers to a material having a sufficiently low impedance such that the conductive properties of the material do not result in substantial attenuation of signals transmitted therethrough. The term dielectric material refers to a substantially electrically non-conductive material. The

term "flexible" antenna refers to an antenna which is capable of being easily hand-

folded, flexed, twisted, or bent.

Brief Description of the Drawing

The accompanying drawing is included to provide a further understanding of

the present invention and is incorporated in and constitutes a part of this specification.

The drawing illustrates exemplary embodiments of the present invention and together

with the description serves to further explain the principles of the invention. Other

aspects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present

invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following Detailed Description when considered in connection with

the accompanying drawing, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a remote control toy assembly in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the remote control toy assembly of FIG. 1, having a portion of the remote control housing removed;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a flexible antenna according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible antenna of FIG. 3 taken along

line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible antenna in accordance with the

present invention in a curved position;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of another flexible antenna in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a flexible antenna in

accordance with the present invention having a spiral shaped antenna pattern;

FIG. 8 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a flexible antenna in accordance with the present invention having a slot antenna pattern, wherein an aperture in a ground plane serves as the antenna;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a flexible

antenna in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a

flexible antenna in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating operation of a remote control toy

assembly in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a partial plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a

remote control device in accordance with the present invention having an antenna

attached to the housing. Detailed Description

Referring to FIG. 1, exemplary remote control toy system 20, including remote

control device 22 and remote control toy vehicle 24, is shown. Remote control device

22 includes remote control device housing 28 having first (proximal to the user) portion 30, second (distal to the user) portion 32, and input devices 34A and 34B (shown as buttons) extending through the remote control device housing 28. Remote control device 22 also includes an external flexible antenna 40 coupled to the external

surface of the remote control device housing 28. Housing 28 can be constructed, for

example, of a generally rigid polymeric material. Similarly, toy vehicle 24 includes vehicle housing or body 36 and drive wheels 38.

In operation, remote control device 22 receives a user input from input device

34A and/or 34B and transmits a control signal 26 (e.g., a radio frequency signal) to

remote control toy vehicle 24. Remote control toy vehicle 24 is responsive to control signal 26 for operation of remote control toy vehicle 24.

Referring to FIG. 2, concealed within remote control device 22 are ground bus 42, controller 44, and power source 46. Ground bus 42 and controller 44 are located

on rigid circuit board 48, which can be formed, for example, from conventional printed

circuit board construction techniques as known in the art. Ground bus 42 is preferably

positioned between flexible antenna 40 and controller 44, and preferably is formed of a

highly electrically conductive material (e.g., a metal, such as copper). Flexible antenna

40 is mechanically coupled to antenna mount 49. In one embodiment, flexible antenna

40 is bolted to antenna mount 49. Further, power source 46 is preferably positioned

away from external flexible antenna 40, since power source 46 may interfere with output signals transmitted via flexible antenna 40. Antenna mount 49 is coupled to a pad above ground bus 42 for coupling the flexible antenna to controller 44.

Power source 46 is coupled to controller 44, indicated at 50. In one preferred embodiment, power source 46 is a DC battery or batteries (e.g., one 9 volt battery or

two 3 volt batteries). In another embodiment, power source 48 may be an AC source

and include an AC/DC converter and a mechanism for coupling the transmitter to an AC power source (e.g., 120 volt or 220 volt AC source), such as a conventional extension cord.

A flexible antenna in accordance with the present invention, such as external

flexible antenna 40, can be attached to the external surface of remote control device housing. The flexible antenna "flexes", allowing it to conform to a variety of external

shapes and surfaces of a remote control device housing. Further, the antenna pattern

may also be varied, such as curved, circular, or spiral shapes, allowing a longer length

antenna to be more easily placed within a limited area on the exterior surface of the

remote control device. In particular, the shape of the antenna pattern may be varied to fit the shape of the remote controlled device.

Flexible antenna 40 is preferably located near remote control device second

portion 32, positioned away from the user and power source 46. Locating the antenna

at one end of the housing, and positioning the ground bus between the antenna and the

controller, reduces possible interference caused by interaction between the controller

electronics and the antenna. Locating the antenna away from the expected position of

the user reduces interference which may be caused by the user. In particular, for

maximum operating efficiency of remote control device 22, a user's hands are

positioned at first end 30 for user control of input devices 34. The second end 32, including flexible antenna 40, is pointed away from the user at remote controlled toy vehicle 24. Inadvertent positioning of a user's hands over the second end 32 (and/or

flexible antenna 40), results in an attenuated signal transmitted by flexible antenna 40 (due to absorption by the hand and/or detuning of the antenna impedance caused by the proximity of the hand). Further, locating the flexible antenna away from power

source 46 reduces interference which may be caused by the power source.

Toy vehicle 24 contains an antenna for receiving control signals transmitted via flexible antenna 40. Preferably, toy vehicle 24 contains toy housing 36 and a flexible

antenna (indicated at 51), which can be similar to flexible antenna 40, and is described in detail further in this specification. It is recognized that the toy vehicle antenna could also be a concealed, partially concealed, or a conventional external antenna. For further details on connecting an antenna, see, for example, co-pending application

having U.S. Serial No. 08/972,141, filed November 17, 1997, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Toy housing 36 also includes control mechanism

52 and power source 54. Control mechanism 52 may include operational devices such as a receiver, controller, and motor, for operation of toy vehicle 24 (in particular, drive

wheels 38). Control mechanism 52 is mechanically coupled to flexible antenna 51 at

antenna mount 56. Power source 54 can be similar to power source 46 as previously described herein. For example, power source 54 can be a 6 or 9 volt DC NiCad battery, which may be rechargeable.

Referring to FIG. 3, one exemplary embodiment of a flexible antenna suitable

for use as flexible antenna 40 or flexible antenna 51 is shown. The flexible antenna is

preferably formed of electrically conductive layer 58 adhered to or deposited in a

desired antenna pattern on flexible substrate 56. In a preferred embodiment, electrically conductive layer 58 includes attachment portion 49, adapted to be electrically connected to a conventional antenna connector. In one embodiment,

attachment portion 49 receives a screw driven through conductive layer 58. In another embodiment, a wire is attached (e.g. by soldering) to the conductive layer at attachment portion 49.

In FIG. 4, a partial cross-sectional view of a flexible antenna is shown, taken

along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3. In one embodiment, conductive layer 58 is formed of a

highly conductive material (e.g., metal, such as copper). The thickness of the

electrically conductive material is typically in the range from about 0.1 micrometer to

about 5 micrometers; preferably, about 0.25 micrometer to about 2 micrometers; more preferably, about 0.25 micrometer to about 0J5 micrometer. The range of 0.25 micrometer to 0.75 micrometer is most preferred because it tends to be the easiest to

apply and ablate, and to maintain its flexibility.

Flexible substrate 56 is preferably formed of a dielectric material available, for example, under the trade designation "ICI-MELINEX" from Imperial Chemical

Industries, Hopewell, VI; PEN (polyethylenenathalate) available, for example, under

the trade designation "KALADEX" from Dumfries of Scotland; polyimide available,

for example, under the trade designation "KAPTON" from DuPont, Wilmington, DE.

Other suitable substrate materials may also include polyetherimide and polyamide. The

thickness of the flexible substrate material is typically in the range from about 12J

micrometers (0.5 mil) to about 177.8 micrometers (7 mils), preferably, about 25.4

micrometers (1 mil) to about 76.2 micrometers (3 mils), more preferably, about 25.4

micrometers (1 mil) to about 50.8 micrometers (2 mil). The most flexible and easiest

to handle during the making of the antenna is the 25.4-50.8 micrometers (1-2 mil) substrate material.

One embodiment of a flexible antenna in accordance with the present invention utilizes polyester substrate having a thickness of about 0.05 mm (2 mils). The

conductive layer in the form of a desired antenna pattern is deposited at a thickness of 0.0127 mm (0.5 mil). In one method of construction, flexible antenna 40 can be

formed by providing a copper coated polyester substrate and laser ablating unwanted copper from the surface, leaving electrically conductive portion 58 in a desired antenna

pattern, for example, such as the general "C" shape illustrated in FIG. 3. Such flexible antenna in accordance with the present invention can be mass produced using

economical manufacturing processes. The partially closed (loop) shape allows an antenna of substantial total length to be placed on a flexible substrate having a maximum dimension less than the total antenna length.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary application of flexible substrate layer 56 in a

flexed or curved configuration is shown. The flexed configuration, for example, allows

placement of the antenna on a variety of small and irregularly shaped surfaces, such as those found on the exterior of toys and remote control device transmitters.

Additionally, the antenna may be attached to the external surface of previously

designed toys as a replacement for a rigid wire external antenna, as the flexible

substrate can be flexed to fit on a variety of outer housing surfaces.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, alternative exemplary embodiments of a

flexible antenna in accordance with the present invention are shown. Variations in

antenna geometry or antenna pattern shape, such as conductor width, are easily

attainable within the scope of the present invention by varying the pattern of the

electrically conductive layer upon the flexible substrate. In FIG. 6, antenna 60, which is similar to the antenna in FIG. 3, has a flexible substrate 56A, conductive layer 58A

(which is wider than the conductive layer 58 in FIG. 3), and attachment portion 49 A.

In FIG. 7, flexible spiral antenna pattern 64 has spiral shaped conductor 58B

on flexible substrate 56B and attachment portion 49B which describes a spiral shape

upon the flexible substrate. The spiral shape is one method of maximizing antenna

length within a confined area.

In FIG. 8, another suitable antenna pattern is illustrated in flexible slot antenna 68, which has flexible substrate 56C, conductive layer 58C encircled by ground plane 72, and attachment portion 49C. The conductive layer 58C is separated from ground

plane 72 by a continuous slot. Antenna conductor 58C can be attached to a controller

using methods previously described herein, such as by using a screw or soldered wire making contact with the conductor. In a preferred embodiment, both antenna conductor 58C and ground plane 72 are formed of a copper layer. The ground plane

72 is connected to an appropriate ground bus on the controller printed circuit board.

Referring to FIG. 9, another exemplary embodiment of a flexible antenna in

accordance with the present invention is shown, wherein the antenna occupies a three-

dimensional space. For example, multiple flexible antenna layers may be stacked or

sandwiched together, allowing placement of even longer total length antennae within a

smaller space. Stacked flexible antenna 78 includes first antenna layer 74 stacked on

second antenna layer 76. First antenna layer 74 and second antenna layer 76 can be similar, for example, to flexible antenna 40 previously described herein. First layer 74

has electrically conductive layer 58D on flexible substrate 56D; second layer 76 has

electrically conductive layer 58E on flexible layer 56E. First layer 74 is electrically

coupled to second layer 76 with antenna interconnect 80. Stacked antennas 78 uses multiple antenna layers to create a longer total length antenna within a small (three- dimensional) space. In stacked antenna 78, the multiple flexible antenna layers are stacked front to back, allowing stacking of several antenna layers. Additional antenna layers may be stacked together as desired to achieve longer antenna lengths.

Referring to FIG. 10, another exemplary embodiment of a flexible antenna in accordance with the present invention is shown, wherein the antenna occupies a three-

dimensional space, similar to the flexible antenna shown in FIG. 9. Stacked flexible antenna 78 A includes multiple flexible antenna layers which are stacked together back- to-back. Stacked flexible antenna 78A includes first antenna layer 86 and second

antenna layer 88. First layer 86 has electrically conductive layer 58F on flexible

substrate 56F; second layer 88 has electrically conductive layer 58G on flexible layer

56G. First antenna layer 86 is illustrated as electrically coupled to second antenna layer 88 with layer interconnect device 84. Layer interconnect device 84 can be an electrically conductive bolt or other fastener capable of both conducting electricity and

securing one antenna layer to another. It is also recognized that other mechanisms may be provided for securing one antenna layer to another (e.g., an adhesive material).

As previously indicated herein, a flexible antenna in accordance with the

present invention can be made using a laser ablation process. One suitable method of

construction includes depositing a primer layer on the substrate surface in the form of a

continuous layer, followed by deposition of a metal (conductive) layer (also, in the form of a continuous layer). One preferred technique for both primer and metal

deposition is vacuum metalization using an art-recognized process. Prior to primer

deposition, the substrate surface may be treated to enhanced adhesion between the

primer and substrate surface. Examples of suitable priming processes include plasma treatment, corona discharge, flame printing, and flashlamp priming (as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,822,451 (Ouderkirk et al.), with flashlamp priming being a preferred

embodiment.

Following metal deposition, a pattern of interest (e.g., an antenna pattern) is printed on the metal surface using conventional ink printing equipment such as a rotary

letter press, flexography, or screen printing. Once the ink has dried or cured, both the

metal and primer outside of the ink printing are removed by exposing the article to a wet etchant such as a ferric chloride solution or sulfuric acid, an ablation source such as a excimer laser, flashlamp, or accelerated plasma according to the process described in U.S. Patent No. 5, 178,726 (Yu et al.), or a combination thereof. The resulting

flexible antenna is then outfitted with a suitable connector for coupling to the toy.

Other suitable ablation processes for making a flexible antenna in accordance with the present invention are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,501,944 (Hill et al.), U.S. Patent No. 5,364,493 (Hunter, Jr. et al.), and PCT International Application No.

PCT/US96/13823 having Publication No. WO/97/12389, published April 10, 1997.

FIG. 11 includes an example system diagram illustrating operation of remote

control toy system having an external flexible antenna in accordance with the present

invention. Remote control device 22 includes remote control housing 28, external

flexible antenna 40, user input 34, controller 44, and power source 48, as previous

described herein. Controller 44 further includes transmitter 100 and control circuit

102. Similarly, remote control toy 24 includes external flexible antenna 51, control

mechanism 52, and power source 54. Control mechanism 52 further includes receiver 104, control 106, and motor 108. In operation, power source 48 provides power to

controller 44, and in particular, transmitter 100 and control circuit 102, indicated at 103. Upon operation of user input device 34 (such as button 34 A and/or 34B shown

in FIG. 1), a corresponding user input signal 112 is input to control circuit 102. Control circuit 102 is responsive to user input signal 112 and provides a corresponding output signal 114 to transmitter 100 which is representative of the desired control function.

Transmitter 100 is responsive to input signal 114 for transmitting output signal

26 via external flexible antenna 40 to toy 24. In one exemplary embodiment, output

signal 26 is a relatively low radio frequency signal. In one preferred embodiment, when used in the United States, output signal 26 is transmitted at 27 MHz or 49 MHz. Transmitter 100 may also include (i.e., in addition to or "alternative ways") other ways

of transmitting an output signal, such as amplifiers, filters, tuners, oscillators and

modulators. Control circuit 102, for example, may comprise a microcomputer,

microprocessor, a series of logic gates, or other circuit components capable of

performing a sequence of logical operations.

In one preferred embodiment, output signal 26 is transmitted via external

flexible antenna 40 at a frequency of 27 MHz or 49 MHz. Signal 26 is received by toy

24 within a typical maximum range of at least 18.3-22.9m (60-75 feet).

Signal 26 is received by toy 24 via external flexible antenna 51, and is transmitted to receiver 104. In operation, power source 54 provides power to receiver

104 and control circuit 106, indicated at 110. Receiver 104 is responsive to signal 26,

and provides a corresponding output signal 116 to control system 106. In response to

signal 116, control system 106 provides output signals for operation of toy 24. For

example, motor 108 is mechanically coupled to drive wheels 38 (indicated in FIG. 1

and FIG. 2). Control system 106 can provide an output signal 118 to motor 108 for operation of drive wheels 38, including turning wheels 38 for steering of toy 24.

Further, control system 106 can be employed to provide other operational control output signals, such as output signal 120 for operation of toy lights or output signal 122 for operation of a toy horn.

Preferably, an antenna in accordance with the present invention is

sufficiently flexible to be capable of being wrapped around a curvature, or if the antenna has sufficient length wrapped around a rod, having a diameter of 25.4 mm (1

inch), more preferably, a diameter of 12J mm (0.5 inch), and even more preferably, a diameter of 2.54 mm (0.1 inch) (or less) without breaking the conductor traces and/or

severing or cracking the substrate.

For example, an antenna as shown in FIG. 6 having a 0.5 micrometer thick,

and average 10.16 millimeter (0.4 inch) wide copper conductive layer on a 50.8 micrometer (2 mil) thick polyester substrate was wrapped around a rod of diameter 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) with no visible signs of the conductor traces breaking and/or the

substrate severing or cracking. Further, the antenna was unwrapped from the rod and

was then used as the antenna (externally mounted) with a remote control device for a

toy car (obtained under the trade designation "TYCO REBOUND 4X4" from Mattel,

Inc., El Segundo, CA). In other words, the original antenna for the remote control

device was removed and replaced with the flexible antenna (which had been wrapped

around the rod). The remote control device and toy car were observed to function

together at a distance of at least about 16.15 meters (53 feet), which is the same

distance observed using the same flexible antenna before it had been wrapped around

the rod (and then unwrapped).

In FIG. 12, a partial plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a remote control device in accordance with the present invention 22H is shown, wherein antenna mechanism 40H, including electrically conductive layer 58H, is coupled to housing 28H along its entire length. Electrically conductive layer 58H may be

positioned on or embedded within housing 28H (e.g., deposited on or otherwise applied, including using laser etching techniques). Electrically conductive layer 58H

can be similar to the electrically conductive layers as previously described herein. In one aspect, metal is deposited over the exterior surface of housing 28H in the shape of

a desired antenna pattern. In one application, a process such as laser direct write

imaging can be used to create the desired conductor pattern for electrically conductive layer 58H. Other processes (e.g., ink jet printing) can also be used to deposit the metalization in the desired conductor pattern on the exterior surface of housing 28H.

Optionally, a cover layer (e.g., a polymeric material) may be positioned over

electrically conductive layer 58H, and coupled to the exterior surface of housing 28H, to further protect and/or support electrically conductive layer 58H.

It will be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative.

Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, material, and

arrangement of parts, without exceeding the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the

scope of the invention is as defined in the language of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A remote control device for use with a remote control toy, the remote

control device comprising: a flexible antenna mechanism comprising a flexible substrate and an electrically conductive layer;

a user input mechanism; and

a controller electrically coupled to said user input mechanism for

transmitting an output signal to said remote control toy via said flexible antenna mechanism, wherein said output signal is representative of a control input received from said user input mechanism.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a housing having an exterior

surface.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said flexible antenna mechanism at least

partially extends from said exterior surface of said housing.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein said flexible antenna mechanism is

attached to said exterior surface of said housing.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein said flexible antenna mechanism is

partially concealed within said housing.

6. The device of claim 2, wherein said flexible substrate has a major surface, and wherein said electrically conductive layer is on said major surface.

7. The remote control device of claim 2, wherein said flexible substrate

includes a dielectric material.

8. The remote control device of claim 2, wherein said flexible substrate is made of a polymeric material.

9. The remote control device of claim 8, wherein said polymeric material is polyester.

10. The remote control device of claim 2, wherein said electrically

conductive layer includes copper.

11. The remote control device of claim 2, wherein said flexible substrate

and said electrically conductive layer are attachably curved around exterior surface of

said housing.

12. The device of claim 2, wherein said electrically conductive layer is in an

open loop pattern.

13. The device of claim 2, wherein said electrically conductive layer is in a

generally spiral shaped pattern.

14. The device of claim 2, wherein said electrically conductive layer is in a slot antenna pattern.

15. The device of claim 2, wherein said electrically conductive layer has a pattern shape corresponding to the shape of said housing.

16. The remote control device of claim 2, wherein said flexible antenna is flexed around exterior surface of said housing.

17. The remote control device of claim 2, wherein said controller includes a

radio frequency transmitter for transmitting said output signal via said flexible antenna

mechanism.

18. The remote control device of claim 17, wherein said the output signal is a radio frequency signal transmitted at 49 MHz.

19. The remote control device of claim 17, wherein said output signal is a

radio frequency signal transmitted at 27 MHz.

20. The remote control device of claim 1, wherein the flexible antenna

mechanism is capable of being wrapped around a rod having a diameter of 12J

millimeters without breaking said electrically conductive layer, or severing or cracking

said flexible substrate.

21. The remote control device of claim 1, wherein the flexible antenna

mechanism is capable of being wrapped around a rod having a diameter of 2.54 millimeters or less without breaking said electrically conductive layer, or severing or cracking said flexible substrate.

22. A remote control toy assembly comprising:

a remote control device comprising a housing including an exterior surface, a flexible

transmitting antenna mechanism at least partially extending from said housing, a user

input mechanism, and a controller electrically coupled to said user input mechanism for transmitting output signals via said flexible-transmitting antenna mechanism, said flexible transmitting antenna mechanism comprising a flexible substrate and an

electrically conductive layer, wherein said output signals are representative of a control

input received from said user input mechanism; and a remote control toy responsive to

said output signals for operation of said remote control toy.

23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein said flexible transmitting antenna

mechanism is attached to said exterior surface of said housing.

24. The assembly of claim 22, wherein said flexible substrate has a major

surface, and wherein said electrically conductive layer is on said major surface.

25. The assembly of claim 22, wherein said electrically conductive layer

includes a highly electrically conductive metal; and wherein said flexible substrate

includes a dielectric material.

26. The assembly of claim 22, wherein said remote control toy includes a

housing having an exterior surface, a flexible receiving antenna mechanism attached to the exterior surface of said housing, a control mechanism, and a power source coupled

to said control mechanism.

27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein said flexible receiving antenna mechanism is coupled to said control mechanism for receiving said output signals.

28. The assembly of claim 26, wherein said flexible receiving antenna

mechanism comprises a flexible substrate and an electrically conductive layer.

29. A remote control device for use with a remote control toy, the remote

control device comprising: a housing having an exterior surface;

an antenna mechanism coupled to said exterior surface of said housing, said antenna mechanism including an electrically conductive layer positioned on said

exterior surface of said housing;

a user input mechanism; and

a controller electrically coupled to said user input mechanism for

transmitting an output signal to the remote control toy via said antenna mechanism,

wherein said output signal is representative of a control input received from said user

input mechanism.

30. The device of claim 29, wherein said electrically conductive layer is deposited on said exterior surface of said housing.