U.S. patent application number 10/164807 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-11 for sound activated toy vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Agostini, Matthew Felix, Dougherty, William Francis Michael, Fosbenner, Mary Ellen Gertrude, Henry, Robert Jude, Sisolak, Gregory John.
Application Number | 20030228826 10/164807 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32991624 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030228826 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dougherty, William Francis Michael
; et al. |
December 11, 2003 |
SOUND ACTIVATED TOY VEHICLE
Abstract
A sound activated toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis, and a
motor. The chassis accommodates the body and has at least a front
wheel and a rear wheel. The motor is drivingly connected to at
least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel. The toy vehicle
also includes a sound transducer configured to generate an
electrical signal in response to detected sound. The toy vehicle
also includes a controller having an input electrically connected
to the sound transducer and an output electrically connected to the
motor. The controller changes the output to the motor when the
electrical signal is received by the input from the sound
transducer. The toy vehicle also includes a vehicle accessory
having an exterior portion. The vehicle accessory is mounted for
movement between a first position and a second position by
mechanical power from the motor.
Inventors: |
Dougherty, William Francis
Michael; (Oakford, PA) ; Fosbenner, Mary Ellen
Gertrude; (Riverton, NJ) ; Henry, Robert Jude;
(Riverside, NJ) ; Agostini, Matthew Felix;
(Philadelphia, PA) ; Sisolak, Gregory John; (Mt.
Laurel, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD L.L.P.
ONE COMMERCE SQUARE
2005 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2200
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-7013
US
|
Assignee: |
Mattel, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32991624 |
Appl. No.: |
10/164807 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/175 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/175 |
International
Class: |
A63H 030/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A sound activated toy vehicle, the toy vehicle comprising: a
body; a chassis that accommodates the body and has at least a front
wheel and a rear wheel; a motor drivingly connected to at least one
of the front wheel and the rear wheel; a sound transducer supported
in one of the chassis and body and configured to generate an
electrical signal in response to detected sound; a controller
having an input electrically connected to the sound transducer and
an output electrically connected to the motor, the controller
changing the output to the motor when the electrical signal is
received by the input from the sound transducer; and a vehicle
accessory having an exterior portion and being supported for
movement on at least one of the chassis and the body between a
first position and a second position by mechanical power from the
motor.
2. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 1 further
comprising a sound generator electrically connected to another
output of the controller.
3. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 1 further
comprising a light electrically connected to another output of the
controller.
4. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the
vehicle accessory is one of a folding extension ladder, a water
cannon, a speed indicator, a tow boom, a boom light, a trunk lid, a
door, an equipment access panel and an opening to an interior
space.
5. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the
body is one of a police car, a fire rig, a fire truck, a tow truck,
a sport utility vehicle, an ambulance, an off-road vehicle and a
searchlight vehicle.
6. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the
vehicle accessory includes an actuating mechanism having: a
carriage movably secured to an internal surface of the body; a rack
having teeth and a protrusion, the rack being slideably supported
in a volume defined by the carriage and an internal surface of the
body; and a spring being in operative engagement with the
protrusion on the rack so as to bias the rack to a first rack
position; wherein the exterior portion of the vehicle accessory is
operatively coupled to the rack and being movable between a first
accessory position and a second accessory position with movement of
the rack from the first rack position to a second rack
position.
7. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 6 wherein the
chassis further comprises a gear box having a drive gear and a
power take-off gear each drivingly coupled to a shaft of the motor,
the power take-off gear being operably coupled with the rack so
that when the motor shaft turns in a first direction the rack moves
from the first rack position to the second rack position.
8. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 7 wherein
when the motor shaft turns in a second direction opposite the first
direction, the rack moves from the second rack position to the
first rack position.
9. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 6 wherein the
exterior portion includes a first piece pivotally connected to the
body.
10. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 9 wherein
the exterior portion further includes a second piece pivotally
connected to the first piece.
11. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 1 in
combination with a remote sound generating device, the remote
device including: a housing having perforations so as to permit
sound waves to pass; a mechanical diaphragm within the housing
having a generally central portion, an outer edge and a deflecting
surface connected to a portion of the outer edge, the outer edge of
the diaphragm being at least partially secured so as to allow
movement of the generally central portion; and a pushbutton
protruding through the housing, the pushbutton being operatively
coupled with the deflecting surface of the diaphragm and supported
such that when the pushbutton is pressed inwardly into the housing
by a user, the pushbutton moves the deflecting surface thereby
causing the generally central portion of the diaphragm to move and
generate a first sound.
12. The sound activated toy vehicle according to claim 11 wherein
the housing has the form of a badge.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to sound activated
toy vehicles and, more particularly, to a sound activated toy
vehicle including a vehicle accessory on either the chassis or the
body of the toy vehicle wherein the vehicle accessory is moved by
mechanical power from the motor.
[0002] Sound or sonic activated or actuated toy vehicles are fairly
well known in the art. Some previously disclosed sound activated
vehicles have a sound detector, such as a microphone or crystal,
and an electrically operated motor coupled to at least one axle or
driveshaft for turning drive wheels. The motor operates in one
direction continuously moving the vehicle in that direction, such
as generally forward. Another device mounted within the vehicle
such as a second motor or a solenoid, is activated or actuated by
sound detected by the sound pickup device. The activation of the
motor or actuation of the solenoid causes one set of wheels to
change steering directions for a predetermined period of time or
until another sound is detected. The vehicle continues moving
generally forward but is steered slightly left, straight or right
by the detection of sound emitted from a remote device, such as a
clicker.
[0003] In another, more complex version of the previously known
sound activated vehicles, the vehicle further includes a second
sound detector or a sound detector capable of detecting a second
sound. Upon detection of the second sound, the vehicle drive motor
reverses direction, separately from the steering control.
[0004] What is not provided by the previously disclosed sound
activated vehicles is a vehicle that moves or actuates a vehicle
accessory in addition to driving the motor in forward or reverse
based upon the detection of a remotely generated sound. Further,
what is not provided by the previously disclosed sound activated
vehicles is a vehicle that will perform different functions based
upon a sequence of remotely generated sounds and when they occur
during a preprogrammed or timed operation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a sound
activated toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis,
and a motor. The chassis accommodates the body and has at least a
front wheel and a rear wheel. The motor is drivingly connected to
at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel. The toy vehicle
also includes a sound transducer supported in one of the chassis
and body and configured to generate an electrical signal in
response to detected sound. The toy vehicle also includes a
controller having an input electrically connected to the sound
transducer and an output electrically connected to the motor. The
controller changes the output to the motor when the electrical
signal is received by the input from the sound transducer. The toy
vehicle also includes a vehicle accessory having an exterior
portion and being supported on at least one of the chassis and the
body for movement between a first position and a second position by
mechanical power from the motor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are
shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0007] In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sound activated toy
vehicle in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 in
combination with a remote sound generating device;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sound activated toy
vehicle in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the vehicle of FIG. 3 in
combination with a remote sound generating device;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sound activated toy
vehicle in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the vehicle of FIG. 5 in
combination with a remote sound generating device;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of a motor and
transmission assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is an electrical schematic diagram of a control
circuit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left,"
"lower" and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which
reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to
directions toward and away from respectively, the geometric center
of the device discussed and designated parts thereof. The
terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned,
derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Additionally, the
word "a" as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of
the specification, means "one or more than one."
[0017] In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like
elements throughout. Referring to the drawings in detail, there is
shown in FIGS. 1-2 a sound activated toy vehicle 50 in accordance
with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, the sound activated toy vehicle has the overall
appearance of either a police car, a fire rig, a fire truck, an
ambulance, a rescue vehicle, an emergency vehicle, a tow truck, a
sport utility vehicle, an off-road vehicle or a search light
vehicle. But, the sound activated toy vehicle 50 may have other
overall appearances without departing from the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2, one presently preferred embodiment has the
overall appearance of a fire truck with a moveable and foldable
hose-boom accessory.
[0018] The sound activated toy vehicle 50 includes a body 52, a
chassis 54 and a motor 56 (FIG. 7). The chassis 54 accommodates the
body 52 and has at least a front wheel 58 and a rear wheel 60.
Preferably, the chassis has two front wheels 58 and two rear wheels
60. The motor 56 is drivingly connected to at least one of the
front wheels 58 and rear wheels 60. Preferably, the motor 56 is
drivingly connected to the two rear wheels 60 as described in
greater detail below.
[0019] The sound activated toy vehicle 50 also includes a sound
transducer 62 supported in either the chassis 54 or the body 52 and
configured to generate an electrical signal in response to detected
sound such as a clicking noise, a specific frequency and the like.
In the presently preferred embodiment, the sound transducer 62 is a
condenser microphone. However, the sound transducer 62 may be other
devices, such as Piezoelectric transducers, electromechanical reeds
and the like, without departing from the broad scope of the present
invention. The sound transducer 62 is mounted in the base of a
sound collector configured to have the appearance of an antenna 64
with a slotted or screened sound transducer cover 64a. The
collector/antenna 64 is formed of a resilient material such as a
polymeric material capable of bending without breaking and capable
of returning to its original orientation by its own resiliency. The
collector/antenna 64 is mounted to a hood 65 of the toy vehicle 50
like a real antenna on a real vehicle. The collector 64 is larger
in scale and proportion relative to the size of the toy vehicle 50
as compared to the proportional size of a real antenna on a real
vehicle.
[0020] The sound activated toy vehicle 50 also includes a
controller U1 (FIG. 8) having an input P2.0 electrically connected
to the sound transducer 62 and an output or outputs P3.0, P3.1
electrically connected to the motor 56. The controller U1 changes
at least one of the outputs P3.0, P3.1 to the motor 56 when an
electrical signal is received by the input P2.0 from the sound
transducer 62. A sound generator 66 is preferably electrically
connected to another output V0 of the controller U1 for generating
sounds. The sound generator 66 is preferably a conventional speaker
64. However, the sound generator 66 may be other known sound
generating devices such a Piezoelectric ceramic disks,
electromechanical reeds and the like, without departing from the
broad scope of the present invention. Yet another output P3.2 of
the controller U1 is connected to a light LT0 for illuminating a
light bar 68 mounted to the top of the vehicle 50.
[0021] The sound activated toy vehicle 50 further includes a
vehicle accessory 70 supported on at least one of the chassis 54
and the body 52. The vehicle accessory 70 has an exterior portion
71 which is exposed (or exposable) on the vehicle 50 and an
actuating mechanism 72 configured to move the accessory. The
actuating mechanism 72 includes a carriage 74 movably secured to an
internal surface of the body 52. The actuating mechanism 72 also
includes a rack 76 having teeth 76a and a protrusion 76b. The rack
76 is mounted for movement, preferably sliding movement, between a
first rack position and a second rack position in a volume defined
by the carriage 74 and an internal surface of the body 52. The
actuating mechanism 72 also includes a lever 78 having a first arm
80 rotatably coupled to the exterior portion 71 of the vehicle
accessory 70. A torsion spring 82 is located between the first arm
80 and the interior surface of the body 52. The lever 78 is in
contact with the protrusion 76b on the rack 76 such that tension of
the spring 82 against the first arm 80 and the interior surface
biases the rack 76 to the first rack position. The exterior portion
71 is moved from a first accessory position to a second accessory
position by the rack 76 being moved from the first rack position to
the second rack position. The vehicle accessory 70 is preferably
one of a foldable extension ladder, a water cannon, a speed
indicator/sign, a tow boom, a boom light, a trunk lid, a door, an
equipment access panel, and an opening to an interior space.
However, the vehicle accessory 70 may be other movable pieces
without departing from the present invention. As shown in FIGS.
1-2, the vehicle accessory 70 is a moveable and foldable
hose-boom.
[0022] The vehicle 50 further comprises a gearbox or transmission
84 having a drive gear 86 (FIG. 7) and a power take-off gear 88
each drivingly coupled to the motor 56. The power take-off gear 88
is operably coupled with the rack 76 so that when the motor shaft
85 turns in a first rotational direction, the rack 76 moves
generally linearly from the first rack position to the second rack
position. When the motor shaft 85 turns in a second rotational
direction opposite the first rotational direction, the rack 76
moves generally linearly from the second rack position to the first
rack position.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 7 in detail, there is shown motor 56 and
gearbox 84 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The gear box 84 includes a first gear box cover 101 and
a second gear box cover 102 which, together, encase the motor 56,
the drive gear 86 and at least a portion of the power take-off gear
88. The first and second gear box covers 101, 102 are sandwiched
together and secured by screws 105. A first motor cap 103 retains
an end of the motor 56 proximate to the motor shaft 85 thereby
providing support for the motor 56 within the gear box 84. A second
motor cap 104 secures a motor retaining cover 106 and motor
retaining sleeve 107 containing the rest of the motor 56 not
supported by the first motor cap 103. A motor shaft gear 110 is
fixedly attached to the motor shaft 85. The teeth of the motor
shaft gear 110 are in mesh with a high speed side 112b of a primary
speed reducing gear 112, teeth of a low speed side 112a of the
primary speed reducing gear 112 are in mesh with teeth of a low
speed side 114b of a first pressure clutch 114. The first pressure
clutch 114 includes a first clutch spring 115. The first pressure
clutch is mounted on the drive shaft 87 along with the drive gear
86. The drive gear 86 is fixed to the driveshaft 87 such that when
the drive gear 86 turns the drive shaft 87 turns correspondingly. A
first clutch pad 116 also mounted on the drive shaft 87 is biased
by the first clutch spring 115 to cause the drive gear 86 to
frictionally engage the first pressure clutch 114 causing teeth of
the main drive gear 86 to engage teeth of a second pressure clutch
118. The second pressure clutch 118 includes a second pressure
clutch pin 119, a second clutch spring 120 and a second clutch pad
121. The second pressure clutch 118, the second clutch spring 120
and the second clutch pad 121 are all mounted on the second
pressure clutch pin 119. The second clutch spring 120 biases the
second clutch pad 121 into engagement with the second pressure
clutch 118. The second clutch pad 121 also includes teeth and the
teeth of the second clutch pad 121 are in mesh with a high-speed
side 122a of a secondary speed reducing gear 122. The secondary
speed reducing gear 122 is mounted on a secondary speed-reducer
shaft 123 and is allowed to spin freely on the secondary
speed-reducer shaft 123. Teeth of the high-speed side 122a of the
secondary speed reducing gear 122 are in mesh with the teeth of the
power take-off gear 88.
[0024] Preferably the first and second gear box covers 101, 102 are
formed of a polymeric material that is injection molded with
preformed threaded holes, retainers, detents, shaft holders and the
like. However, the first and second gearbox covers 101, 102 may be
formed of other materials and by other methods. Preferably, the
first and second pressure clutch assemblies 114-116, 118-121, the
drive gear 86, the motor shaft gear 110, the primary speed reducing
gear 112, the secondary speed reducing gear 122 and the power
take-off gear 88 are all formed from a polymeric material that is
substantially rigid, but lightweight. However, the first and second
pressure clutch assemblies 114-116, 118-121, the drive gear 86, the
motor shaft gear 110, the primary speed reducing gear 112, the
secondary speed reducing gear 122 and the power take-off gear 88
may be formed of other materials without departing from the broad
scope of the present invention. Further, while a number of gears
and clutches are shown in a particular configuration of the present
invention, it should be noted that other combinations of clutches
and gears may be utilized without departing from the broad
inventive scope herein.
[0025] Preferably the motor 56 is a DC motor of the known variety
capable of operating in first and second opposing rotational
directions based upon the polarity of voltage supplied to motor
leads 56a and 56b. In operation, when the motor 56 turns in a first
direction the motor shaft gear 110 turns the primary speed reducing
gear 112 in a first direction which in turn turns the first
pressure clutch 114 in the first direction. As long as the torque
or back pressure on the drive shaft 87 remains within the tolerance
of the first pressure clutch 114, the first pressure clutch 114 is
able to turn the drive gear 86 in the first direction. The drive
shaft 87 in turn is able to turn the rear wheels 60 in the first
direction thereby moving the entire sound activated toy vehicle 50.
However, should the sound activated toy vehicle 50 encounter an
obstacle or some rough surface, torque on the wheels 60 may
increase beyond the holding capability of the first pressure clutch
114 and the first clutch spring 115 may allow the first clutch pad
116 to disengage so that the motor 56, the motor shaft gear 110 and
the primary speed reducing gear 112 all still turn in the first
direction but do not effect movement on the drive shaft 87 through
the first pressure clutch 114 due to slippage. In normal operation
the first clutch pad 116 imparts movement on the second pressure
clutch 118 thereby turning the second pressure clutch 118 in the
first direction which in turn turns the second clutch pad 121 in
the first direction. The second clutch pad 121 imparts motion on
the secondary speed reducing gear 122 which in turn turns the power
take-off gear 88 in the first direction. If the power take-off gear
88 encounters a torque or resistance beyond the rating for the
second clutch pad 121 and second pressure clutch spring 120, the
second clutch pad 121 is allowed to slip from the second pressure
clutch 118 allowing movement of the second pressure clutch 118 but
not imparting movement on the secondary speed reducing gear 122 and
the power take-off gear 88.
[0026] Similarly, when the motor 56 turns in a second direction the
motor shaft gear 110 turns the primary speed reducing gear 112 in a
second direction which in turn turns the first pressure clutch 114
in the second direction. As long as the torque or back pressure on
the drive shaft 87 remains within the tolerance of the first
pressure clutch 114, the first pressure clutch 114 is able to turn
the drive gear 86 in the second direction. The drive shaft 87 in
turn is able to turn the rear wheels 60 in the second direction
thereby moving the entire sound activated toy vehicle 50. However,
should the sound activated toy vehicle 50 encounter an obstacle or
some rough surface, torque on the wheels 60 may increase beyond the
holding capability of the first pressure clutch 114 and the first
clutch spring 115 may allow the first clutch pad 116 to disengage
so that the motor 56, the motor shaft gear 110 and the primary
speed reducing gear 112 all still turn in the second direction but
do not effect movement on the drive shaft 87 through the first
pressure clutch 114 due to slippage. In normal operation the first
clutch pad 116 imparts movement on the second pressure clutch 118
thereby turning the second pressure clutch 118 in the second
direction which in turn turns the second clutch pad 121 in the
second direction. The second clutch pad 121 imparts motion on the
secondary speed reducing gear 122 which in turn turns the power
take-off gear 88 in the second direction. If the power take-off
gear 88 encounters a torque or resistance beyond the rating for the
second clutch pad 121 and second pressure clutch spring 120, the
second clutch pad 121 is allowed to slip from the second pressure
clutch 118 allowing movement of the second pressure clutch 118 but
not imparting movement on the secondary speed reducing gear 122 and
the power take-off gear 88.
[0027] Referring again to FIG. 2, the sound activated toy vehicle
50 is preferably used in combination with a remote sound generating
device 90. The remote sound generating device or remote device 90
includes a housing 92 formed by mating half shells 92a, 92b, one
shell 92b having perforations 93 so as to permit sound waves to
pass therethrough. The remote device 90 also includes a mechanical
diaphragm 94 within the housing 92. The diaphragm 94 has a
generally central portion 94a, an outer edge 94b, and a deflecting
surface 94c connected to a portion 94d of the outer edge 94b. The
outer edge 94b of the diaphragm 94 is at least partially secured so
as to allow movement of the generally central portion 94a of the
diaphragm 94. The remote device 90 further includes a pushbutton 96
protruding through an opening 95 in shell 92a of the housing 92.
The pushbutton 96 directly contacts the deflecting surface 94c of
the diaphragm 94 and is supported such that when the pushbutton 96
is pressed inwardly into the housing 92 by a user (not shown), the
pushbutton 96 moves the deflecting surface 94c thereby causing the
generally central portion of the diaphragm 94 to move and generate
a first sound. Preferably, the pushbutton 96 is coupled to a curved
lever 91 to provide additional leverage for deflecting the
diaphragm 94. Preferably, the housing 92 has the overall appearance
of a badge such as a policeman's badge, a fireman's badge, a
paramedic's badge, a security officer's badge, or the like. In the
presently preferred embodiment the housing 92 has the overall
appearance of a fireman's badge. Of course the sound generating
device 90 is not critical to the present invention and could be any
sound generating device capable of emitting a clicking or popping
sound or some other repeatable sound that is recognizable to a
control circuit 66 coupled to the sound transducer 62.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of a preferred
embodiment of the control circuit 66 for use with or within the
present invention. The control circuit 66 comprises the controller
U1, a spring biased switch SW20, a three-position switch SW21,
batteries BT1, BT2, BT3, capacitors C1-C9, resistors R1-R15, SCRs
and/or transistors S1-S10, inductors L1-L2, diodes D1-D3, sound
transducer 62, sound generating device 64, light LTO and motor 56.
The controller U1 may be an application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), a microcontroller, a programmable array logic (PAL), a
processor and the like without diverging from the present
invention. The controller U1 includes inputs P2.0, P2.1 and P2.2
and outputs P3.0, P3.1, P3.2, and V0. When the controller U1
receives an input signal from switch SW20, output V0 energizes the
sound generating device 64 and output P3.2 energizes the light LTO
through transistors S9 and S10, respectively. Output V0 is capable
of generating a variable output signal which creates a
corresponding sound such as a siren or horn. When the controller U1
receives an input signal from the sound transducer 62, the
controller U1 drives either output P3.0 or P3.1 in order to turn
the motor 56 in a first direction of rotation for a predetermined
amount of time or until the controller U1 receives a second input
from sound transducer 62. When the controller U1 receives a second
input signal from the sound transducer 62, the controller U1 drives
the other of the outputs P3.0 or P3.1 in order to drive the motor
56 in a second direction of rotation, opposite the first direction
of rotation, for a predetermined amount of time or until the
controller U1 receives a third input signal from the sound
transducer 62.
[0029] When three-position switch 21 is in a first position, only
batteries BT1 and BT2 are connected in series thereby providing a
first voltage to the controller U1 at voltage supply pin VDD. When
three-position switch 21 is in a second position, none of the
batteries are connected to the circuit and no voltage is provided
to the controller U1 at voltage pin VDD. When three-position switch
SW21 is in a third position, all three batteries BT1, BT2, BT3 are
in series thereby providing a second voltage to the controller U1
at voltage pin VDD. When the controller U1 receives the first
voltage at voltage pin VDD, the controller U1 does not operate the
outputs P3.0, P3.1 that control the motor 56 regardless of the
state of the other inputs P2.0, P2. 1. When the controller U1
receives the second voltage at voltage pin VDD, the controller U1
is able to operate the outputs P3.0, P3.1 to thereby control the
motor 56 in either the first or the second direction of
rotation.
[0030] While the control circuit 66 is shown with the electrical
components described herein, other combinations of control devices
and other control circuits may be utilized without departing from
the present invention.
[0031] FIGS. 3-4 show a sound activated toy vehicle 150 in
accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The sound activated toy vehicle 150 has the overall
appearance of a police car. The sound activated toy vehicle 150
includes a body 152, a chassis 154 and a motor 56 (FIG. 7). The
motor 56 and gear box 84 are identical to those described above
regarding the first preferred embodiment. The chassis 154
accommodates the body 152 and, preferably, has two front wheels 158
and two rear wheels 160. The motor 56 maybe drivingly connected to
at least one of the front wheels 158 and rear wheels 160, but is
preferably drivingly connected to the two rear wheels 160 in the
same way as the first vehicle 50.
[0032] The sound activated toy vehicle 150 also includes sound
transducer 62 supported in either the chassis 154 or the body 152
and configured to generate an electrical signal in response to
detected sound such as a clicking noise, a specific frequency, and
the like. As in the first embodiment, sound transducer 62 is a
condenser microphone. However, the sound transducer 62 may be other
devices such as Piezoelectric transducers, electromechanical reeds
and the like without departing from the broad scope of the present
invention. The sound transducer 62 is again mounted in sound
collector with antenna 64 having slotted or screened sound
transducer cover 64a. The collector/antenna 64 is again mounted to
a hood 165 of the toy vehicle 150 like a real antenna on a real
vehicle.
[0033] Transducer 62 is again coupled to control circuit 66 having
the controller U1 described above (FIG. 8) identical to that
described for the first preferred embodiment.
[0034] The sound activated toy vehicle 150 further includes a
vehicle accessory 170 supported on at least one of the chassis 154
and the body 152. The vehicle accessory 170 is preferably a
moveable speed indicator 171b mounted under a moveable trunk lid
171a of the sound activated toy vehicle 150. However, the vehicle
accessory 170 may be other movable pieces without departing from
the present invention. The vehicle accessory 170 has an exterior
portion 171 visible on the vehicle and an actuating mechanism 172.
The actuating mechanism 172 includes a carriage 174 movably secured
to an internal surface of the body 152. The actuating mechanism 172
also includes a rack 176 having teeth 176a and a protrusion 176b.
The actuating mechanism 172 is moveable between a first rack
position and a second rack position. The rack 176 is located in a
volume defined by the carriage 174 and the internal surface of the
body 152. The rack 176 is in sliding relationship within the volume
defined by the carriage 174 and the internal surface of the body
152. The actuating mechanism 172 also includes a lever 178 having a
first arm 180 rotatably coupled to the exterior portion 171 of the
vehicle accessory 170. A spring 182 is located between the first
arm 180 and the interior surface of the body 152. The lever 178 is
in contact with the protrusion 176b on the rack 176 such that
tension of the spring 182 against the first arm 180 and the
interior surface biases the rack 176 to the first rack position.
The exterior portion 171 is moved from a first accessory position
to a second accessory position by the rack 176 being moved from the
first rack position to the second rack position.
[0035] The chassis 154 further comprises a gearbox 84 having a
drive gear 86 (FIG. 7) and a power take-off gear 88 each drivingly
coupled to a shaft 85 of the motor 56 identically to the gearbox 84
described above regarding the first preferred embodiment. The power
take-off gear 88 is operably coupled with the rack 176 so that when
the motor shaft 85 turns in a first rotational direction, the rack
176 moves generally linearly from the first rack position to the
second rack position. When the motor shaft 85 turns in a second
rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, the
rack 176 moves generally linearly from the second rack position to
the first rack position.
[0036] The sound activated toy vehicle 150 is preferably used in
combination with a remote sound generating device 190. The remote
sound generating device or remote device 190 is identical to device
90 but for a slightly different configuration of housing 192.
Preferably, the housing 192 has the overall appearance of a
policeman's badge.
[0037] FIGS. 5-6 show a sound activated toy vehicle 250 in
accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The sound activated toy vehicle 250 has the overall
appearance of an ambulance. The sound activated toy vehicle 250
includes a body 252, a chassis 254 and a motor 56 (FIG. 7). The
motor 56 and gear box 84 are identical to those described above
regarding the first preferred embodiment. The chassis 254
accommodates the body 252 and has a front wheel 258 and a rear
wheel 260. Preferably, the chassis has two front wheels 258 and two
rear wheels 260. The motor is drivingly connected to at least one
of the front wheels 258 and rear wheels 260, but the motor 56 is
preferably drivingly connected to the rear wheels 260 as described
in greater detail below.
[0038] The sound activated toy vehicle 250 also includes a sound
transducer 62 supported in either the chassis 254 or the body 252
and configured to generate an electrical signal in response to
detected sound such as a clicking noise, a specific frequency, and
the like. In the presently preferred embodiment, the sound
transducer 62 is a condenser microphone. However, the sound
transducer 62 may be other devices such as Piezoelectric
transducers, electromechanical reeds and the like without departing
from the broad scope of the present invention. The sound transducer
62 is mounted in an antenna 64 having a microphone or sound
transducer cover 64a. The antenna 64 is formed of a resilient
material such as a polymeric material capable of bending without
breaking and capable of returning to its original orientation by
its own resiliency. The antenna 64 is mounted to a hood 265 of the
toy vehicle 250 like a real antenna on a real vehicle. The antenna
64 is larger in scale and proportion relative to the size of the
toy vehicle 250 as compared to the proportional size of a real
antenna on a real vehicle.
[0039] The sound activated toy vehicle 250 also includes the
control circuit 66 having the controller U1 described above (FIG.
8) identical to that described for the first preferred embodiment.
The sound activated toy vehicle 250 further includes a vehicle
accessory 270 supported on at least one of the chassis 254 and the
body 252. The vehicle accessory 270 has an exterior portion 271 and
an actuating mechanism 272. The actuating mechanism 272 includes a
carriage 274 movably secured to an internal surface (not shown
clearly) of the body 252. The actuating mechanism 272 also includes
a rack 276 having teeth 276a and a protrusion 276b. The actuating
mechanism 272 is moveable between a first rack position and a
second rack position. The rack 276 is located in a volume defined
by the carriage 274 and the internal surface 252b of the body 252.
The rack 276 is in sliding relationship within the volume defined
by the carriage 274 and the internal surface of the body 252. The
actuating mechanism 272 also includes a lever 278 having a first
arm 280 rotatably coupled to the exterior portion 271 of the
vehicle accessory 270. A spring 282 is located between the first
arm 280 and the interior surface of the body 252. The lever 278 is
in contact with the protrusion 276b on the rack 276 such that
tension of the spring 282 against the first arm 280 and the
interior surface biases the rack 276 to the first rack position.
The exterior portion 271 is moved from a first accessory position
to a second accessory position by the rack 276 being moved from the
first rack position to the second rack position. The vehicle
accessory 270 is preferably a rotatable or moveable window 271a
movably mounted in the side of the sound activated toy vehicle 250.
However, the vehicle accessory 270 may be other movable pieces
without departing from the present invention.
[0040] The chassis 254 further comprises a gearbox 84 having a
drive gear 86 (FIG. 7) and a power take-off gear 88 each drivingly
coupled to a shaft 85 of the motor 56 identically to the gearbox 84
described above regarding the first preferred embodiment. The power
take-off gear 88 is operably coupled with the rack 276 so that when
the motor shaft 85 turns in a first rotational direction, the rack
276 moves generally linearly from the first rack position to the
second rack position. When the motor shaft 85 of the motor turns in
a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational
direction, the rack 176 moves generally linearly from the second
rack position to the first rack position.
[0041] The sound activated toy vehicle 250 is preferably used in
combination with a remote sound generating device 290. The remote
sound generating device 290 is identical to device 90 but for a
slightly different configuration of housing 292. Preferably, the
housing 292 has the overall appearance of a paramedic's badge.
[0042] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present
invention comprises a sound activated toy vehicle including a
vehicle accessory on either the chassis or the body wherein the
vehicle accessory is moved by mechanical power from the motor. It
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could
be made to the embodiments described above without departing from
the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore,
that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments
disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the
spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims.
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