WO2013058717A1

WO2013058717A1 - Toy vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2013058717A1
Application number: PCT/SG2012/000396
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yuichiro KATSUMOTO; Hideaki Nii; Masahiko Inakage
Original assignee: National University Of Singapore; Keio University Graduate School Of Media Design
Priority date: 2011-10-21
Filing date: 2012-10-19
Publication date: 2013-04-25
Also published as: CN104080520A; SG11201401624PA

Abstract

According to one aspect, there is provided a toy vehicle including: a chassis; and a means of transport comprising a band around the chassis, the band providing the toy vehicle with a movable outer surface.

Description

Toy vehicle

FIELD OF INVENTION The invention relates to a toy vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Toy vehicles are typically kits that are scaled down versions of an actual vehicle. Examples of toy vehicles include race cars, four wheel drive trucks and tanks.

Toy vehicles that are motorised, but do not have a remote control that control the direction of movement of the toy vehicle typically move in a straight direction. Such toy vehicles cannot evade obstacles and will stop when they collide with an obstacle.

For users that derive entertainment from chasing after a motorised toy vehicle, the chase therefore ends when the motorised toy vehicle stops at an obstacle, bringing about a loss of enjoyment. While a motorised toy vehicle with a remote control can avoid obstacles by changing its direction of movement, a user's enjoyment of chasing after the motorised toy vehicle is lost because the direction in which such a toy vehicle moves is already controlled by the user.

A need therefore exists to provide a toy vehicle which will still continue moving even after it encounters an obstacle. SUMMARY

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the invention will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic of a side view of a toy vehicle according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2A shows a schematic of a side view of a toy vehicle according to a second embodiment.

Figure 2B shows a schematic of a top view of the toy vehicle according to the second embodiment.

Figure 2C shows a schematic of a top view of a toy vehicle according to a third embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a schematic of a toy that may be constructed from a plurality of toy vehicles according to any one of the first to third embodiments.

Figure 4A shows a side view of a toy vehicle according to a fourth embodiment.

Figure 4B shows the chassis of the toy vehicle according to the fourth embodiment.

Figure 4C shows a front view of the toy vehicle according to the fourth embodiment.

Figure 4D shows a perspective view of the toy vehicle according to the fourth embodiment.

Figure 4E shows a top view of the toy vehicle according to the fourth embodiment.

Figure 5 shows the various stages the toy vehicle according to the fourth embodiment undergoes when executing a back flip action.

Figures 6A to 6D show several configurations that are achievable from connecting two or more toy vehicles of the fourth embodiment.

Figure 7 shows a top view of various embodiments of the toy vehicle.

DEFINITIONS

The following provides sample, but not exhaustive, definitions for expressions used throughout various embodiments disclosed herein.

The term "chassis" may refer to a frame used to house components that are needed for the toy vehicle to work, such as a motor, a micro controller, a wireless receiver and battery. The chassis provides the structural integrity of the toy vehicle to which other components of the toy vehicle are connected.

The term "means of transport" or "transport means" may refer to means that the toy vehicle uses to move, i.e. the medium employed by the toy vehicle to apply drive force against the ground to move the toy vehicle.

The term "band" may mean a structure that has the shape of a loop, such as a belt.

In various embodiments, the term "outer surface" may refer to the surface provided by the band that comes into contact with the ground, so that the outer surface is part of the visible exterior of the toy vehicle (i.e. the total outer surface of the toy vehicle includes the band and portions of the toy vehicle not covered by the band, such as side walls of the chassis). In various embodiments, as the band goes around the chassis, the top and bottom of the chassis are covered and do not form the outer surface of the toy vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, where like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views.

Figure 1 shows a schematic of a side view of a toy vehicle 100 according to a first embodiment.

The toy vehicle 100 has a chassis 102. A band 104 around the chassis 102 provides a means of transport for the toy vehicle 100, wherein the band 104 provides the toy vehicle 100 with a movable outer surface.

By looping around the chassis 102, the band 104 becomes part of the total outer surface of the toy vehicle 100 and provides the toy vehicle 100 with a movable outer surface. Having a movable outer surface allows the toy vehicle 100 to flip after hitting an obstacle that is taller than the toy vehicle 100. Thus, the toy vehicle 100 will not stop moving after it hits the obstacle. Instead, after the toy vehicle 100 flips, it will move away from the obstacle. To further facilitate flipping over of the toy vehicle 100, the chassis 102 may be rectangular shaped to provide generally straight sections 160 and 162 between ends 128 and 130 of the chassis 102, the generally straight sections 160 and 162 being without protrusions. These generally straight sections 160 and 162 provide the movable outer surface with a top and a bottom that are both generally planar.

Figure 2A shows a schematic of a side view of a toy vehicle 200 according to a second embodiment, while Figure 2B shows a schematic of a top view of the toy vehicle 200.

Similar to Figure 1 , the toy vehicle 200 has a chassis 202. A band 204 around the chassis 202 provides a means of transport for the toy vehicle 200, wherein the band 204 provides the toy vehicle 200 with a movable outer surface.

A motor 206 may be provided in the chassis 202, wherein the motor 206 may be coupled to actuate the band 204. The chassis 202 may have a compartment that holds the motor 206 in place.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a gear arrangement 208 may be provided in the chassis 202. The gear arrangement 208 may couple the motor 206 to the band 204. Since the gear arrangement 208 transfers the rotation of the motor 206 shaft to the band 204, it allows for the motor 206 to be arbitrarily placed in the chassis 202. The gear arrangement 208 may be designed to provide gear ratios such as 14:1 , 10:1 or 20:1. A higher gear ratio provides the toy vehicle 200 with more torque, while a lower gear ratio allows the toy vehicle 200 to move faster.

In various embodiments, the motor 206 may be directly coupled to the band 204 without the gear arrangement 208.

The chassis 202 includes a front wheel 210 and a rear wheel 212. The band 204 passes over both the front wheel 210 and the rear wheel 212. The front wheel 210 includes a gear 214 which engages the gear arrangement 208.

Referring to Figure 2B, an edge 204e of the band 204 is adjacent to a corresponding edge 202e of the chassis 202. From Figure 2B, it can also be seen that the band 204 covers a substantial portion of the total outer surface of the toy vehicle 200, especially at the top and bottom surfaces of the toy vehicle 200. For the sake of simplicity, Figure 2B does not show all of the components reflected in Figure 2A.

Figure 2C shows a schematic of a top view of a toy vehicle 250 according to a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the toy vehicle 250 is largely similar to the toy vehicle of 200 of Figures 2A and 2B. The main difference is that the toy vehicle 250 uses two bands 254 and 256 to realise its movable outer surface.

The toy vehicle 250 has a band 254 that loops around its chassis 202. A further band 256 also loops around the chassis 202. Both of the band 254 and the further band 256 provide the toy vehicle 250 with its movable outer surface. The further band 256 is disposed adjacent to the band 254 so that opposite edges 202e along a same length 2021 of the chassis 202 is adjacent to a corresponding edge of the band 254 or the further band 256. Each of the left edges 202e is adjacent to a corresponding edge 254e of the band 254, while each of the right edges 202e is adjacent to a corresponding edge 256e of the further band 256.

Thus, similar to the toy vehicle 200, the bands 254 and 256 cover a substantial portion of the total outer surface of the toy vehicle 250, especially at the top and bottom surfaces of the toy vehicle 250.

For the first to third embodiments, the movable outer surface (provided by the band 104 for the toy vehicle 100; the band 204 for the toy vehicle 200; the band 254 and the further band 256 for the toy vehicle 250) covers both ends of the respective chassis (102 and 202). By having the movable outer surface cover both ends of the respective chassis (102 and 202), the movable outer surface is located forward to each of the respective ends of the respective chassis (102 and 202) to ensure that the movable outer surface is the first surface of the toy vehicle (100, 200 and 250) that comes into contact with an encountered obstacle. For the toy vehicle 100 of Figure 1, both ends of its chassis 102 are denoted using the reference numerals 128 and 130. For the toy vehicle 200 of Figures 2A and 2B, both ends of its chassis 202 are denoted using the reference numerals 228 and 230. For the toy vehicle 250 of Figure 2C, both ends of its chassis 202 are denoted using the reference numerals 258 and 260.

Returning to Figure 2A, the chassis 202 is generally rectangular with rounded edges 216. The section of the chassis 202 that is between two opposite edges 216 is generally straight. Each side wall 224 of the chassis 202 has a curved exterior profile. The rounded edges 216 and the curved exterior profile provided by the chassis 202 help to stabilise the toy vehicle 200, especially after the toy vehicle 200 flips from hitting an obstacle. If during the flipping action, the toy vehicle 200 lands on its side wall 224, the curved exterior profile tilts the toy vehicle 200 to have the toy vehicle 200 return to its flat position.

The movable outer surface is preferably fabricated from material, having a coefficient of friction that is greater than 1. Having a co-efficient of friction greater than 1 means that the force required to slide the toy vehicle 200 along a surface is greater than the normal force of the surface on the toy vehicle 200. Using such material has the advantaae of lettina the tov vehicle 200 have a aood ariD with the surface that the toy vehicle 200 is traversing. Material having a coefficient of friction that is greater than 1 may be fabricated from any one or more of the following materials: rubber, elastomer, sponge, sand paper, gum or silicone. These materials may also be resilient, so that the outer surface also serves to absorb shock when the toy vehicle 200 moves over an uneven surface.

The chassis 202 may further have a micro controller 218 connected to the motor 206, a wireless receiver 220 connected to the micro controller 218; and a battery 222 connected to the motor 206, the wireless receiver 220 and the micro controller 218. The micro controller 218 is to process signals received by the wireless receiver 220 and determines whether the motor 206 is to be switched on or off The wireless receiver 220 allows the toy vehicle 200 to communicate wirelessly with external devices, such as a remote control (not shown) that allows the motor 206 to be switched on or off remotely. The micro controller 218 and the remote control are configured to activate the motor 206, allowing the toy vehicle 200 to move in a straight direction (either backward or forward) determined by the rotation of the motor 206 shaft. Unlike a remote control that allows a toy vehicle to turn during movement, the micro controller 218 and its associated remote control - along with the toy vehicle 200 - are configured to have the toy vehicle 200 move along a straight path and are not configured to change the direction path of the toy vehicle 200. The battery 220 serves to power all the components inside the chassis 202.

The toy vehicle 200 may have a length of around 90mm, a width of around 50mm and a height of around 28mm. However, these dimensions are exemplary and the toy vehicle may have other dimensions.

Figure 3 shows a schematic of a toy 300 that may be constructed from a plurality of toy vehicles 100/200/250 according to any one of the first to third embodiments. The plurality of toy vehicles 100/200/250 may be coupled to each other via a connector 302. Each end of the connector 302 may be connected to a respective one of the plurality of toy vehicles 100/200/250. While Figure 3 shows only three of such toy vehicles 100/200/250 being connected, it will be appreciated that more toy vehicles 100/200/250 can be connected.

By adapting the toy vehicles 100/200/250 for connection to one another, toys of various configurations may be constructed. For instance, for the configuration shown in Figure 3, the toy 300 is able to move securely along a rail 304.

To allow ease of connection between toy vehicles 100/200/250, a socket 326 (denoted as reference numeral 326 in Fiaure 2A^ mav be formed in an exterior of each side wall of the chassis of each of the plurality of toy vehicles 100/200/250. The socket 326 is engaged by the connector 302 to couple the plurality of toy vehicles 100/200/250 to each other.

Figure 4A shows a side view of a toy vehicle 400 according to a fourth embodiment.

Similar to Figures 1 and 2A, the toy vehicle 400 has a chassis 402. A band 404 around the chassis 402 provides a means of transport for the toy vehicle 400, wherein the band 404 provides the toy vehicle 400 with a movable outer surface 480.

Figure 4B shows the chassis 402 (i.e. the toy vehicle 400 without the band 404 that loops around the chassis 402). The chassis 402 may be constructed by two side walls 424, disposed so that each of their interior surfaces faces one another. The two side walls 424 are connected by a beam 430. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4C, the chassis 402 lacks^' a ceiling and a base. However, it is possible for the chassis 402 to have such a ceiling and base to cover the various components that are housed by the chassis 402.

A motor 406 may be provided in the chassis 402. The motor 406 may be coupled to actuate the band 404 (see Figure 4A). A utility space formed by a bottom 432 and a wall 434 that is perpendicular to the bottom 432 may provide a compartment to hold the motor 406. The utility space may also provide room for a micro controller to connect to the motor 406, a wireless receiver to connect to the micro controller; and a battery to connect to the motor 206, the wireless receiver and the micro controller. The micro controller, the wireless receiver and the battery are not shown for the sake of simplicity.

The chassis 402 includes a front wheel 410 and a rear wheel 412. The band 404 (see Figure 4A) loops around the chassis 402 by passing over both the front wheel 410 and the rear wheel 412. Each of the front wheel 410 and the rear wheel 412 may be coupled to the chassis by a respective axle, which is hidden from view.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4B, a gear arrangement 408 may be provided in the chassis 402. The gear arrangement 408 may couple the motor 406 to the band 404, so as to transfer the rotation of the motor 406 shaft to the band 404. The gear arrangement 408 may, in this embodiment, provide a gear ratio of 14:1.

The gear arrangement 408 may include a plurality of gears (438 and 440) that are disposed to mesh with each other. The motor 406 shaft has a gear 436 that meshes with a first gear 438 that is provided on the beam 430. The beam 430 may hp nrnvidfiri with a spr.nnri

serinnri npar mpshps with a third gear 440 that is provided on a beam 442 that is coupled at each end to the chassis 402. Finally, the third gear 440 meshes with a gear 414 that is formed in the front wheel 410, the gear 414 allowing the front wheel 410 to engage the gear arrangement 408. Accordingly, the front wheel 410 is the propulsion wheel of the toy vehicle 400. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4C, the gear 414 is arranged at the centre of the front wheel 410. However, in other embodiments, the gear 414 may be located off-centre.

Figure 4C shows a front view of the toy vehicle 400. An edge 404e of the band 404 is adjacent to a corresponding edge 402e of the chassis 402. Each side wall 424 of the chassis 402 has a curved exterior profile. The curved exterior profile provided by the chassis 202 helps to stabilise the toy vehicle 400, especially after the toy vehicle 400 flips from hitting an obstacle. If during the flipping action, the toy vehicle 400 lands on its side wall 424, its curved exterior profile tilts the toy vehicle 400 to return to a flat position.

Figure 4D shows a perspective view of the toy vehicle 400.

It can be seen that the band 404 covers a substantial portion of the total outer surface of the toy vehicle 400, especially at the top and bottom surfaces of the toy vehicle 400. The chassis 402 is generally rectangular with rounded edges 416. These rounded edges facilitate flipping of the toy vehicle 400 after collision with an obstacle.

Figure 4E shows a top view of the toy vehicle 400. Instead of using a single band, two bands 454 and 456 may be used to realise the movable outer surface 480 of the toy vehicle 400, each of the two bands 454 and 456 looping around the chassis 402. Further band 456 is disposed adjacent to band 454 so that opposite edges 402e along a same length 402I of the chassis 402 is adjacent to a corresponding edge of the band 454 or the further band 456. For example one edge 402e is adjacent to a corresponding edge 454e of the band 454, while a diagonal edge 402e is adjacent to a corresponding edge 456e of the further band 456.

The bands 454 and 456 also cover a substantial portion of the total outer surface of the toy vehicle 400, especially at the top and bottom surfaces of the toy vehicle 400.

The movable outer surface 480 covers both ends of the chassis 402. By having the movable outer surface 480 cover both ends of the chassis 402, the movable outer surface 480 is located forward to each of the ends of the chassis 402 to ensure that the movable outer surface 480 is the first surface of the toy vehicle 400 that comes into contact with an encountered obstacle.

The movable outer surface 480 is preferably material having a coefficient of friction that is greater than 1. Using such material has the advantage of letting the toy vehicle 400 have a good grip with the surface that the toy vehicle 400 is traversing. The material may be fabricated from any one or more of the following materials: rubber, elastomer, sponge, sand paper, gum or silicone. These materials may also be resilient, so that the movable outer surface 480 also serves to absorb shock when the toy vehicle 400 moves over an uneven surface. A caterpillar track may also be used to realise the movable outer surface 480.

The chassis 402, the front wheel 410 and the rear wheel 412 may be fabricated from ABS (Acrylonitrile - Butadiene - Styrene). Any light weight motor, such as a standard motor from "Tamiya" (item #75026, product ID: FP030-KN/13125/DV SMC0210904) may be used for the motor 406.

The "Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V" may be used for the micro controller that is connected to the motor 406 via a power MOSFET. An infra-red (IR) receiver may be used for the wireless receiver that is connected to the micro controller. A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery having an output of 3.7V and 110mAh may be used for the battery that powers the motor 406, the wireless receiver, the micro controller and the power MOSFET.

The toy vehicle 400 may have a length of around 90mm, a width of around 50mm and a height of around 28mm. However, the toy vehicle 400 may have other dimensions and preferably is palm-sized.

When the toy vehicle 400 collides with an obstacle, the movable outer surface 480 allows the toy vehicle 400 to execute a back flip action. The rounded portions of the chassis 402 may also further facilitate this back flip action. The back flip action is described in further detail with reference to Figure 5.

Figure 5 shows the various stages the toy vehicle 400 undergoes when executing a back flip action. After the back flip action, the toy vehicle 400 will overturn and therefore move in a direction that is opposite to its original course.

In stage 502, the toy vehicle 400 is approaching towards an obstacle 504, such as a wall. In stage 504, the toy vehicle 400 first contacts the obstacle 504. The movable outer surface 480 allows the toy vehicle 400 to climb the obstacle 504 up until the entire movable outer surface 480 is in contact with the obstacle 504. At this point, the tov vehicle 400 tiDS over as shown in staae 508. In landina on the around. the rounded portions of the chassis 402 assist in stabilising the toy vehicle 400. At stage 510, the toy vehicle 400 has completed the back flip action and moves away from the obstacle 504. This back flip action may provide a source of entertainment, especially to children, by chasing after the moving toy vehicle, since obstacles do not prevent the toy vehicle 400 from moving.

Returning to Figure 4A, the exterior of each side wall 424 of the chassis 402 may be provided with a socket 426. This socket 426 is adapted to receive a connector (not shown) that allows connection to a socket 426 of another toy vehicle 400. In this manner, a plurality of toy vehicles 400 may be coupled to each other. Depending on the manner in which the plurality of toy vehicles 400 is connected, the resulting toy may have different shapes and perform different functions. In certain configurations (see Figure 6D), the toy may even move in a manner that is different from that of a single toy vehicle 400.

Figures 6A to 6D show several configurations that are achievable from connecting two or more toy vehicles 400. In Figure 6A, two toy vehicles 400 are connected in parallel using connectors 602. In Figure 6B, a triangular shaped toy is formed from connecting three toy vehicles 400. A connector 612 connects two toy vehicles 400. In Figure 6C, three toy vehicles 400 are also connected, but the toy of Figure 6C has a horseshoe shape and therefore has a shape different to that of the toy of Figure 6B. This is brought about by connector 622 used in the toy of Figure 6C having a different profile compared to the connector 612 used in Figure 6B. Similar to the toy shown in Figure 3, the toy of Figure 6C is able to traverse a rail (not shown). In Figure 6 D, five toy vehicles 400 are connected. A connector 622 connects two of the toy vehicles 400. The toy of Figure 6D spins like a turntable, instead of the original straight motion provided by the toy vehicle 400.

Other means exist to connect one or more of the toy vehicles 400 together, such as connectors having ends that are adapted to clip onto the chassis 402, rather than engage the socket 426 formed in the exterior of each side wall 424 of the chassis 402.

As the toy vehicle 400 is palm-sized, it is compact and able to move into small spaces. The low profile of the toy vehicle 400, along with the rounded side walls provided by the curved exterior profile of the side walls 432, ensures that the toy vehicle 400 is stable when it moves on rough terrain or after the toy vehicle 400 collides with an obstacle (as explained with reference to Figure 5). While various embodiments have a toy vehicle with a rounded body, it is possible for the toy vehicle to have a chassis that has a different shape. For instance, Figure 7 shows a top view of various embodiments of the toy vehicle. For the toy vehicle 706, the chassis has a trapezoid shaped side wall.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the embodiments without departing from a spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A toy vehicle comprising:

a chassis; and

a means of transport comprising a band around the chassis, the band providing the toy vehicle with a movable outer surface.

2. The toy vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a motor provided in the chassis, the motor coupled to actuate the band.

3. The toy vehicle of claim 2, further comprising a gear arrangement provided in the chassis, the gear arrangement coupling the motor to the band.

4. The toy vehicle of claim 3, further comprising:

a front wheel and a rear wheel over which the band passes, both the front wheel and the rear wheel being provided in the chassis and wherein the front wheel comprises a gear which engages the gear arrangement.

5. The toy vehicle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an edge of the band is adjacent to a corresponding edge of the chassis.

6. The toy vehicle of claims 1 to 4, wherein the movable outer surface is further provided by a further band around the chassis, the further band disposed adjacent to the band so that opposite edges along a same length of the chassis is adjacent to a corresponding edge of the band or the further band.

7. The toy vehicle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable outer surface covers both ends of the chassis.

8. The toy vehicle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis is generally rectangular with rounded edges.

9. The toy vehicle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each side wall of the chassis has a curved exterior profile.

10. The toy vehicle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable outer surface is fabricated from material having a coefficient of friction that is greater than !

11. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein the material comprises any one or more of the following materials: rubber, elastomer, sponge, sand paper, gum or silicone.

12. The toy vehicle of claims 2 to 11 , wherein the chassis further comprises: a micro controller connected to the motor;

a wireless receiver connected to the micro controller; and

a battery connected to the motor, the wireless receiver and the micro controller.

13. The toy vehicle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the toy vehicle has a length of around 90mm, a width of around 50mm and a height of around 28mm.

14. A toy comprising

a plurality of toy vehicles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of toy vehicles is coupled to each other via a connector.

15. The toy of claim 14, wherein a socket is formed in an exterior of each side wall of the chassis of each of the plurality of toy vehicles, the socket being engaged by the connector to couple the plurality of toy vehicles to each other.