U.S. patent application number 10/805691 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for two wheeled radio control vehicle.
Invention is credited to Hetman, Michael G., Tilbor, Neil.
Application Number | 20040198157 10/805691 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24904696 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040198157 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tilbor, Neil ; et
al. |
October 7, 2004 |
Two wheeled radio control vehicle
Abstract
A radio controlled two wheeled vehicle incorporates flywheel
technology in addition to a unique disposition of motors, gears and
electronics provides superior stability and mobility during
operation. A flywheel is disposed in the at the lowest central
point of the vehicle and is independently driven by an motor
independent from the drive motor. The independent operation of the
flywheel from the drive system of the two-wheeled vehicle provides
increased stability at slower speeds and eliminates the need for
complex transmission systems between the drive system motor and the
flywheel. In the bicycle embodiment, an action figure having
movable joints is releasably attachable to the bike and provides
realistic animation during the bike operation.
Inventors: |
Tilbor, Neil; (New Smyrna
Beach, FL) ; Hetman, Michael G.; (New Smyrna Beach,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEUSEY, TUTUNJIAN & BITETTO, P.C.
14 VANDERVENTER AVENUE, SUITE 128
PORT WASHINGTON
NY
11050
US
|
Family ID: |
24904696 |
Appl. No.: |
10/805691 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10805691 |
Mar 22, 2004 |
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10697499 |
Oct 30, 2003 |
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10805691 |
Mar 22, 2004 |
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10288801 |
Nov 6, 2002 |
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6682394 |
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10288801 |
Nov 6, 2002 |
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09723068 |
Nov 27, 2000 |
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6482069 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 30/04 20130101;
A63H 29/20 20130101; A63H 17/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/268 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/00; A63H
017/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A radio controlled two wheel vehicle comprising: a body having
front and rear ends and a central portion between said ends, a
front wheel fork assembly connected to said front end of the body,
and handlebars connected to the front wheel fork assembly; front
and rear wheels operatively connected to and providing support for
the respective front and rear ends, said front wheel being
rotatably mounted on said front wheel fork assembly; a steering
mechanism connected to said front wheel fork and operative to steer
the toy vehicle in a desired direction; a drive system connected to
said body for selectively driving the rear wheel of the toy
vehicle; at least one stabilizer extending from said body and
adapted to prevent the vehicle from tipping over at low speeds; and
circuitry for receiving radio commands from a remote transmitter
and controlling said steering mechanism and said drive system in
response to received radio commands.
2. The radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to claim 1,
further comprising a gyro based stability system operatively
independent from said drive system and said steering mechanism for
increasing the stability of the toy vehicle during operation.
3. The toy vehicle according to claim 2, wherein said stability
system comprises: a flywheel drive motor disposed in said seat
tube; a flywheel rotatably disposed in said crankshaft portion; and
a second transmission operatively connected to said flywheel drive
motor and said flywheel, wherein said flywheel drive motor and said
second transmission maintain said flywheel in a constant rotating
motion during operation independent of the operation of said drive
system.
4. The radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to claim 1,
wherein said stabilizer extends perpendicularly from said body
5. The radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to claim 1,
wherein said stabilizer extends from said body at an angle between
1 and 90 degrees.
6. The radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to claim 1,
wherein said stabilizer further comprises an end adapted to engage
the ground when the vehicle tips, said stabilizer end preventing
re-erection of the vehicle caused by any part of said body touching
the ground before said stabilizer end.
7. The radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to claim 1,
wherein said stabilizer further comprises an end adapted to engage
the ground when the vehicle tips and provides friction to execute
smooth, predictable controlled steering response from said steering
system when the vehicle tips.
8. The radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to claim 1,
wherein said stabilizer further comprises an end adapted to engage
the ground and prevent the vehicle from tipping over at low
speeds.
9. The radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to claim 1,
wherein said stabilizer further comprises an end adapted to engage
the ground to enable the vehicle to turn around the point of
contact with the ground without tipping over.
10. The radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to claim 1,
further comprising an action figure releasably connected to the two
wheel vehicle.
11. The radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to claim 10,
wherein said stabilizer further comprises an end adapted to engage
the ground and prevent the combined vehicle and action figure from
tipping over at low speeds.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/697,499 filed Oct. 30, 2003, which is a
continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/288,801 filed Nov. 6, 2002, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,394, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/723,068, filed Nov. 27, 2000, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,069.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to radio controlled toys, and
more particularly, to a two wheeled radio controlled vehicle.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Radio controlled or remotely controlled toys have become
specialty items in the toy market. Radio controlled vehicles
dominate in this market and as such, manufacturers attempt to
duplicate well known vehicles as well as the latest in automotive
development.
[0006] New radio controlled toys are departing from the standard
vehicle configuration and are incorporating radio control
technology into other more interesting toys. The shape and
configuration of these new radio controlled toys is dependent on
the design of the power, transmission and other systems necessary
to make the toy work. Furthermore, the design of such toys is
integral in the toy's ability to perform dynamic stunt maneuvers
and actions while maintaining stability for continuous,
uninterrupted enjoyment of the toy. Some examples of these
important design consideration are the dimensions of the device,
the mass (power to weight ratio) of the device and the location of
the toy's center of gravity. In view of these design requirements,
toy designers are significantly limited in the shape of the toy
they can make that includes all the circuitry, power source and
control systems required for radio controlled toys.
[0007] In recent years, there has been increased interest in toy
motorcycles, and more particularly toy motorcycles which are radio
controlled with respect to speed and steering. As will be
appreciated by one skilled in the art, toy motorcycles or bicycles
having two wheels present balance and steering problems which are
more complex and far different from problems encountered with four
wheeled radio controlled toy vehicles. These problems have been
approached in a number of different ways by the prior art.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,583 teaches a radio controlled
two-wheeled motorcycle toy that utilizes an electromagnetic system
that is connected to the front fork via a resilient mechanism for
selectively enabling the steering of the vehicle during operation.
Also disclosed are a pair of auxiliary wheels which are integral to
the stability of the toy. When the toy is operated and the steering
mechanism is actuated to turn the vehicle, the centrifugal force
generated which would otherwise cause the toy to fall over in the
steered direction is controlled by the corresponding auxiliary
wheel contacting the ground. The auxiliary wheels contact the
ground to maintain the toy in an upright position and prevent it
from tipping over.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,569 teaches a radio controlled
two-wheeled which includes a horizontal, longitudinally extending
shaft to which a battery pack containing frame is pivotally
suspended in pendulum fashion. The front wheel of the toy
motorcycle is mounted to a support mechanism comprising a fork, and
a pivot member located forwardly of the fork. The battery pack is
swung to the right or left in pendulum fashion by a radio
controlled servo. The battery pack mechanism is operatively
connected to the front wheel support, so that it tilts in the same
direction as the battery pack is shifted, causing the toy
motorcycle to turn in that direction. In addition, a simulated
rider mounted on the toy motorcycle contains weights within its
body which shift along with the shifting of the battery pack. The
toy motorcycle is provided with a stand for supporting the rear
wheel thereof at starting.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,271 teaches another approach wherein a
toy motorcycle is provided with a front frame supporting the front
wheel and a rear frame supporting the rear wheel and a drive motor
therefor. The rear frame, wheel and motor are tiltable with respect
to the front frame to initiate left and right turns. Tilting of the
rear frame is brought about by a servo mounted in the front frame
and radio controlled. Auxiliary legs having wheels on their free
ends project outwardly from both sides of the toy motorcycle, to
maintain the toy motorcycle substantially upright when stopped.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,175, for example, teaches a two-wheeled
motorcycle having a frame or chassis which carries a drive motor, a
radio, a servo mechanism, and a power source. The servo is provided
with a shaft which supports a weight in the manner of an inverted
pendulum. By shifting the weight to the right or left, the toy
motorcycle is caused to lean to the right or left. The front wheel
of the motorcycle is supported by a fork which is attached to a
pivot assembly located ahead of the fork. As a consequence of this
construction, when the motorcycle is caused to lean in one
direction or the other by the servo mounted weight, the front wheel
will turn in the direction of that lean. The motorcycle is provided
with a crash bar on each side which will help to maintain the
motorcycle substantially upright during a turn and when standing
still.
[0012] In an effort to further the stunt capabilities of radio
controlled toys, toy designers have started implementing the use of
flywheels to provide gyroscopic stabilization and to communicate
positional change information to electronic and electro-mechanical
stabilization systems in a wide variety of aeronautical,
navigational, toy and novelty devices. An example of such flywheel
implementation is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,891.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,891 discloses a remote controlled toy
vehicle with improved stability including a flywheel mounted in the
rear wheel. A clutch assembly operatively connects the flywheel to
the rear wheel propulsion system so as to enable the rotation of
the flywheel at speeds faster than the rear wheel during operation.
In this invention, the flywheel rotates only when the propulsion
system is activated and the rear wheel of the vehicle is being
driven in a predetermined direction.
[0014] The use of flywheels increases the possibilities of
different radio controlled toy designs and is ideal for
implementation into a two wheeled vehicle to increase its stability
and thereby the range of maneuvers it can make during operation. As
such, it is desirable to provide a radio controlled two-wheeled
vehicle (e.g., bicycle) that is capable of simulating the balance
provided by a human rider in a real bicycle, and performing various
dynamic stunts, while maintaining stability and balance during
operation. Since a bicycle is the most dynamic two wheeled vehicle
design for performing stunt action maneuvers, the bicycle is a
desirable candidate for conversion into a radio controlled toy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
radio controlled two wheel vehicle that incorporates flywheel
technology in order to increase the stabilization of the toy and
thereby increase the playability, stability and maneuverability of
the toy.
[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide a radio
controlled two wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle that
incorporates flywheel technology in order to increase the
stabilization of the toy and thereby increase the stunt action and
maneuverability of the toy.
[0017] This and other objects are achieved in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention in which the two wheel radio
controlled vehicle includes power, stabilization and steering
systems to enable a variety of realistic and stunt actions. The
disposition of a gyroscopic stabilization system in the crankshaft
area of the two wheeled bicycle not only lowers its center of
gravity, but also increases the stability and diversity of stunt
action motion while adding to the realism of appearance during
operation.
[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the
two-wheeled radio controlled toy vehicle includes a chassis having
front and rear ends and a central portion between the ends and
front and rear wheels operatively connected to and providing
support for the respective front and rear ends. A front wheel fork
assembly is operatively connected to the front end of the body and
rotatably supports the front wheel of the bicycle.
[0019] A steering mechanism connected to the front wheel fork is
operative to steer the toy vehicle in a desired direction. A drive
system selectively drives the rear wheel of the toy vehicle in
response to radio commands received from a user operated remote
transmitter. A stability system having its own separate drive and
transmission from the drive system increases the stability of the
toy vehicle during operation (due to continuous, uninterrupted
operation of the stability system).
[0020] The electronic circuitry and power supply necessary for
operating the drive, stability and steering mechanisms in response
to user received radio commands from a remote transmitter are also
included within the design.
[0021] Other objects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be
understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for
purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of
the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote
similar elements throughout the views:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a side view of a radio controlled two wheel
vehicle (bicycle) with an adjustable action figure according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 2a is a schematic side view of the radio controlled
bicycle without the action figure according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 2b is schematic side view of the radio controlled two
wheel vehicle according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 2c is a schematic side view of the radio controlled two
wheel vehicle according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 2d is schematic side view of the radio controlled two
wheel vehicle according to a further embodiment of the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 3a is a schematic side view of the radio controlled two
wheel vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 3b is a schematic top view of the radio controlled two
wheel vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 3c is an enlarged perspective view of the crankshaft
area of the radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to another
embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 3d is a plan view of a stabilizer according to various
embodiments of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the crankshaft area with
flywheel according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view of the top tube of the two
wheel vehicle taken along lines V-V of FIG. 3a;
[0034] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the down tube of the
two wheel vehicle taken along lines VI-VI of FIG. 3a;
[0035] FIG. 6 is schematic top view of the steering mechanism of
the radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the steering mechanism of the
radio controlled two wheel vehicle according to an embodiment of
the invention;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a side view of the radio controlled two wheeled
vehicle showing the action rider figure in various stunt positions
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIGS. 9a-9d are plan views of the boots of the action figure
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIGS. 10a and 10b are schematic representations of the
shoulder and hip joints of the action figure according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a right side, partial phantom view of a radio
controlled two wheeled vehicle according to another embodiment of
the invention;
[0041] FIG. 12 is a left side, partial phantom view of a radio
controlled two wheeled vehicle according to another embodiment of
the invention;
[0042] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the radio
controlled two wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the
invention; and
[0043] FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the radio
controlled two wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the
invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the radio controlled bicycle 10
according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, an action
FIG. 200 is disposed on bike 10 and is molded and jointed to
provide a life like look and action which will be described later
with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 200 can be clothed and includes
realistic looking shoes or boots that are releasably connected to
the pedals or stunt tubes (pegs that are mounted to the ends of the
front and rear axles, four total).
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2a, bike 10 is made up of a top
tube 12, a down tube 14, a crankshaft/flywheel, radio printed
circuit board, housing 16, a seat tube 18, a steering assembly 20,
a seat stay tube 22, a handle bar assembly 24, a front fork 26
(with spring suspension) having an axle 28 and a rear axle 30 at
the base of the seat stay tube 22. Wheels 32a and 32b are rotatably
mounted to the front and rear axles, 28 and 30, respectively. A
seat post 34 is mounted within seat tube 18 and includes a seat 36
mounted thereon. Bike 10 can include a stabilizer 42 (FIGS. 2, 3c
and 3d) which serves to prevent the bike from falling over when it
is stopped or impacted during operation.
[0046] A drive motor 38 is preferably disposed between the seat
tube 18 and seat stay tube 22, and a plurality of gears 40
operatively connect drive motor 38 to the rear axle 30 and to a
reductions gear 48 (FIG. 4) for pedal action during operation.
Gears 40 can be any suitable known type of gearing system, provided
that the necessary gear reduction between the drive motor 38 and
the rear axle 30 is achieved. Gears 40 act as one transmission on
board bike 10. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the
arrangement, number and size of gears 40 are dependent on the motor
and wheel size and therefore can be changed without departing from
the spirit of the present invention.
[0047] FIGS. 2b and 2c show another embodiment where the motor 38
is eliminated and one motor 44 disposed in the seat tube 18 is
operable to drive both the flywheel 58 and the rear wheel 32b.
According to this embodiment, when the remote receiver on the bike
is powered on, and there is no signal being received from the
remote transmitter (not shown), motor 44 is operable and rotates
constantly counter-clockwise. Through the application of gears G1
and G2, clutch mechanism C1 and flywheel gear 56, flywheel 58 is
driven in a counter clockwise direction. Gears G3-G7 operably
connect the rear wheel 32b to the motor 44 via a clutch C2. Thus,
engagement or disengagement of clutch C2 determines whether the
rear wheel is driven or not, respectively. Clutch C2 also enables
the simultaneous operation of the flywheel and rear wheel drive.
FIG. 2c shows the operation of gears G1 and G3-G7 when clutch C2 is
engaged. As shown, when a radio signal is received indicating
forward motion, the motor 44 reverses direction (i.e., rotates
clockwise) and continues to drive the flywheel counter-clockwise
through clutch C2. Clutches C1 and C2 can be, for example, sliding
pin type clutches. As such, according to this embodiment, the
flywheel is constantly driven in a forward (counter-clockwise)
direction, and the rear wheel is simultaneously driven forward
(with the flywheel "coasting" and not under direct power) when the
direction of motor 44 is reversed (from its original
counter-clockwise direction).
[0048] FIG. 2d shows yet another embodiment of the flywheel and
rear wheel drive systems of the invention. In this embodiment, one
motor 38 is disposed between the seat tube 18 and seat stay tube
22. A primary drive gear G operably connects gears 40 to motor 38
to thereby drive the rear wheel 32b, and a clutch C3 drives gear 57
which drives flywheel gear 56 and thereby flywheel 58. According to
this embodiment, clutch C3 and idler gear 57 transmits drive power
to the flywheel 58, via flywheel gear 56, from the main motor 38
only when the bike is under power and being driven through gears G8
and 40. Thus, when the drive power is removed via motor 38,
flywheel 58 will continue to spin freely without drive power and
thereby continue to provide gyroscopic stabilization even after the
removal of drive power via motor 38 and clutch C3 (this can be
referred to as a "coasting effect"). Those of skill in the art
recognize that the embodiments of FIGS. 2a-2d are exemplary in
nature and that other gear, clutch and drive systems may also be
implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0049] FIGS. 3a and 3b show various schematic views of bike 10 from
different perspectives. FIG. 3a shows a side view of bike 10 with
drive gears 40 arranged in a different configuration from that
shown in FIG. 2. In addition, a flywheel motor 44 and a flywheel
drive gear 46 are disposed in seat tube 18, and flywheel drive gear
46 is operatively coupled to flywheel gear 56 (FIG. 4). The
flywheel drive motor 44, positioned within seat tube 18, can be
accessed from one side by an access panel 50 (FIGS. 3c and 4).
Front fork 26 includes a shock absorbing action that enables front
wheel 32b to be displaced a limited amount D and thereby increase
the stability of the bike during operation (especially over uneven
surfaces).
[0050] FIG. 3b shows a partial top view of the bike 10 where drive
gears 40 are disposed on one side of the bike and a realistic
looking chain and crank assembly 66 (see also FIG. 1) is disposed
on the other side of the bike. In a preferred embodiment, the crank
assembly 66 is operatively connected with the drive gears 40 or the
pedal action drive gear 48 (FIG. 4) such that the pedal crank
rotates during operation to provide realistic bicycle riding
appearance and action of the FIG. 200 on bike 10. The chain and
rear sprocket are molded to provide the aesthetic appearance of a
real bike but do not move during operation. In yet another
contemplated embodiment, the chain and rear sprocket can be
operably connected to the crank assembly 66 and rotate therewith
during operation.
[0051] FIG. 3d shows two embodiments of the position of stabilizer
42 according to the invention. In one embodiment, stabilizer 42 is
perpendicularly disposed with respect to the crankshaft housing 16
(dotted embodiment), and in another embodiment, stabilizer 42 is
angularly disposed with respect to the crankshaft housing 16. In
both embodiments, the ends of the stabilizer with respect to the
ground and the pedals 60a and 60b is an important design
consideration and includes a height H.sub.1 and H.sub.2,
respectively with respect to the ground. As can be seen, the ends
of the stabilizer 42 must be such that when the bike tips over in
either direction, the pedals 60a or 60b do not touch the ground and
prevent subsequent re-erection of the bike through application of
the drive motor and/or internal flywheel. Referring to the first
embodiment (i.e., dotted configuration), the stabilizer 42 will
touch the ground at approximately a 22 degree angle with respect to
the ground. The second embodiment of stabilizer 42 (i.e., angularly
disposed with respect to crankshaft housing) will contact the
ground when the bike is tilted approximately 27 degrees on either
side. In this second embodiment, the ends of the stabilizer 42
contact the ground such that a 90 degree angle between the ground
and end of the stabilizer is produced. The height H2 is the largest
distance at which the ends of stabilizer 42 may be disposed from
the ground while still providing sufficient angular clearance of
the pedals when the bike is tipped in either direction.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the crankshaft/flywheel
housing 16 and seat tube 18 according to an embodiment of the
invention. The flywheel drive motor 44 is mounted within the seat
tube 18 with the access panel 50 provided on one side. Internally,
drive motor 44 includes a gear 45 that is meshed with a flywheel
drive gear 46 which is meshed with a flywheel gear 56. Flywheel
gear 56 is fixedly connected to the flywheel 58. Flywheel motor 44
is a standard motor that is dedicated to driving the flywheel only
and is not responsible for any other driving functions of the
bicycle. Gears 45, 46 and 56 act as a second onboard transmission
for bicycle 10. Thus, through the implementation of a separate
motors and transmissions for propulsion and stability, the flywheel
drive motor 44 can be always powered during operation, so as to
maintain the rotation of flywheel 58 at all times. Flywheel motor
44 is capable of speeds in the range of 5-10,000 revolutions per
minute (rpm), and in conjunction with the gear ratio of gears 45,
46 and 56 provide the necessary high speed rpm (e.g., 5-10,000) for
suitable gyroscopic force to be generated by the flywheel 58. This
"always on" operation of the flywheel motor and thus constant
rotation of flywheel 58, the stability of the bicycle is
significantly increased during slower speeds. Thus, the flywheel 58
not only prevents the bicycle from falling over at slow speeds, but
actually enable superior stability during slower movements, stunt
actions and steering.
[0053] Those of skill in the art will recognize that the flywheel
is preferably made of a dense material with the majority of its
mass being disposed along its circumference. Preferably, the
flywheel is made of metal, but may also be made of other suitable
known materials. As is known, the flywheel weight, distribution of
mass, diameter and rotational speed are all important in order to
create gyroscopic stabilization effect.
[0054] Also contained within crankshaft/flywheel housing 16 is a
circular circuit board 54 that is electrically connected to on/off
switch 52 (FIG. 3c), batteries 13, steering system 20, motors 38
and 44 and includes all radio frequency (RF) receiver and control
electronics required for operation of bike 10 using a remote
control and radio transmitter device (not shown). The circular
circuit boards shape allows sufficient surface area for electronic
component mounting and does not compromise the crankshaft/flywheel
housing's realistic overall appearance. A large reduction gear 48
is also disposed within the crankshaft/flywheel housing 16. The
pedal gear 48 is driven by the drive gears 40 (e.g., see FIG. 2)
which in turn drives pedal drive shaft 61 operatively connected to
the pedals 60a and 60b, thereby rotating the pedals during
operation. The rotation of pedals 60a and 60b while FIG. 200 is
connected thereto results is a realistic appearance of the figure
actually pedaling (powering) the bike due to the figures moveable
joints at the knees 220 and hips 218. The circular circuit board 54
does not rotate about pedal drive shaft 61, while flywheel 58
rotates at high speeds around the slower rotating pedal drive shaft
61.
[0055] In accordance with other contemplated embodiments, the
flywheel can be mounted in other positions on the bike. In one
example, the flywheel may be mounted adjacent to the rear wheel. In
another example, the flywheel can be contained within the front
wheel of the bike. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the necessary drive transmissions and/or clutch
assemblies would be added to such embodiments to enable independent
operation of the flywheel with respect to the operation of the
drive systems.
[0056] FIGS. 5a and 5b show cross-sections of the top tube 12 and
down tube 14, respectively. Tubes 12 and 14 fit tightly to
batteries 13 for a realistic look. As shown, the batteries 13 for
the bike 10 are contained within these two tubes as shown and can
be removable through access panels 11 and 15 in tubes 12 and 14,
respectively. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the
access panels 11 and 15 may be secured onto their respective tubes
through any suitable known type of connections, for example, a snap
fitting cover or through the use of a cover and screws that secure
the cover in place. Batteries 13 are removable and can be alkaline
or carbon-zinc disposable types or nickel cadmium, nickel metal
hydride, lithium ion, or any other suitable known type of
rechargeable battery. In the embodiment shown, batteries 13 are
preferably AA size. As shown, the batteries 13 are arranged side by
side in the top tube 12, and are stacked in an inverted pyramid
configuration in down tube 14. This arrangement enables a more
realistic profile for top and down tubes 12 and 14, respectively.
In other embodiments, the batteries 13 may be rechargeable and
non-removable from the bike. In this instance, a charging jack 53
(FIG. 3c) can be added to the bike for providing the user with an
electrical connection to the batteries for charging the same.
[0057] FIGS. 6 and 7 show the steering system 20 according to an
embodiment of the invention. Steering system 20 includes a C-shaped
upper fork bushing sleeve 86 adapted to receive a cylindrical
bushing 80 connected to the steering coil housing 78. A shaft or
caster axle 82 is fitted through an axial bore through cylindrical
bushing 80 and engages a hole 94 in the fork 26. Shaft 82 is
preferably force fitted into hole 94 so that cylindrical bushing 80
can freely rotate about the shaft within C-shaped bushing sleeve
86. A disc or cap 84 can be provided to enclose the top of shaft
82, cylindrical bushing 80 and C-shaped bushing sleeve 86. An
electromagnetic steering coil 74 is positioned within housing 78
and includes an downwardly extending peg 76 that passes through a
hole (not shown) in the bottom of housing 78 and which engages in
slot 90 of a steering guide tab 88. Steering coil 74 includes wires
73 that conduct the necessary voltage from the circuit board 54 to
actuate the coil.
[0058] Steering coil 76 operates in conjunction with ring magnet 72
situated around coil 74 within housing 78. Thus, when the steering
coil is actuated with a voltage having a predetermined polarity
(i.e., predetermined based on the desired direction of steering),
it will respond to a magnetic field created by ring magnet 72 and
thereby cause the entire coil to rotate in one direction or the
other within the housing 78. For example, assuming a left turn is
desired, the steering coil 74 is actuated with a voltage having
polarity which causes coil 74 to create a magnetic field which,
when interacting with the magnetic field created by ring magnet 72,
causes the coil to rotate in a clockwise direction. The clockwise
rotation of coil 74 within housing results in downwardly extending
peg 76 to also move clockwise while engaged in slot 90 of steering
guide tab 88. The rotation of peg 76 within slot 90 causes the fork
to be rotated about shaft 82 in a counter-clockwise direction
(i.e., to the left with respect to the bike).
[0059] One potential problem in a steering mechanism of this type
is the possibility of over steering in one direction or the other,
which can result in the tipping over of the bike. This over
steering is not necessarily caused by physically steering too hard
in one direction, but may also be caused by the centrifugal force
created by turning the bike when traveling at high speeds in a
substantially straight direction. Prior art methods for
compensating for this physical phenomena include the implementation
of side wheels that engage the ground at a predetermined tilt angle
(see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,583).
[0060] In order to accurately control the steering action of bike
10 and prevent tipping resulting from the centrifugal forces
created by turning during forward momentum, the C-shaped bushing
sleeve 86 includes C-slot edges 92a and 92b (FIG. 6) that function
to limit the rotational movement of the cylindrical bushing 80
within the bushing sleeve 86. The limitation of the rotational
movement of the cylindrical bushing 80 in conjunction with the
stabilizing function of the operation of flywheel 58 effectively
eliminates the tipping possibilities and provides superior user
control over the operation of bike 10.
[0061] Using the above example of a left turn movement, during the
clockwise rotation of coil 74 and thereby peg 76 within slot 90,
the bushing support 79 connecting cylindrical bushing 80 to the
coil housing 78 will hit or be stopped by C-slot edge 92b and
thereby be prevented from over-steering in that direction. The same
concept applies to the right turn action and opposing C-slot edge
92a. In a preferred embodiment, the flywheel speed is fixed at a
top speed (e.g., 5-10 k r.p.m.). However, other contemplated
embodiments include the switching or modulation of the flywheel
speed according to various control schemes of the bicycle. Thus, if
the flywheel speed is selectively increased during a turning
action, the stabilization of the bike 10 will be increased and will
prevent tipping of the bike. In addition, power to the flywheel may
be turned off when the bike is at a predetermined speed of
operation or is simply traveling in a straight line. In this mode,
the flywheel will continue to rotate due to the attained
momentum.
[0062] Steering system 20 is enclosed by a housing 100. Housing 100
has notches or slots 96a and 96b which engage projections 94a and
94b, respectively, extending from steering coil housing 78.
[0063] FIG. 8a shows the action FIG. 200 in some of the many
possible various stunt positions according to the invention. Action
FIG. 200 is made up of a body 201 and includes a plurality of
joints 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 and 222 disposed in the arms,
shoulders, legs and hips. According to other embodiments, the wrist
and/or forearm of the figure is rotatable about an axis A that is
coaxial with the forearm itself. FIG. 200 includes shoes or boots
204a and 204b having C-shaped or other circular--like fittings
adapted to be snapped onto the front stunt pegs 64a (not shown) and
64b, rear stunt pegs 62a (not shown) and 62b or pedals 60a and 60b.
In addition, the figure's hands 202a and 202b are molded such that
the fingers may releasably fit over the handlebars 210 and also on
the stunt tubes for handstand type stunt actions. The C-shaped
fittings of the shoes/boots and molded hands of the figure are such
that during operation, FIG. 200 will not un-snap and detach, unless
and until the bike 10 crashes, which impact can cause the FIG. 200
to release from the bike and therefore not get damaged from a
crash. According to the disclosed embodiments, partial attachment
of FIG. 200 is also possible (i.e., less than both hands and feet).
This allows additional movement and articulation of the figure
caused by inertia and movements of the bike.
[0064] FIGS. 9a-9d show another embodiment of the boots 204 of the
action figure. As shown, the clips 206 are retractable into the
boot 204 and thereby enable the action figure to be removed from
the vehicle and used apart from the radio controlled toy. The clip
206 is pivotally mounted within the boot 204 and includes a tab 207
that is accessible from the bottom of the boot (FIGS. 9b and 9c).
The retractable clips 206 The retractable clips 206 can detent
positively in down or up positions. When in the up position, the
figure can be positioned to stand freely.
[0065] In accordance with other embodiments, action FIG. 200 has
shoulder and hip joints that can be detented to hold the positions
of the limbs with respect to the torso 201 during play. This
embodiment is adapted for toy applications that do not necessarily
require loose movement of the action figure limbs. For example, in
the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 11-14 (discussed later), the
action figure's legs need not move with the pedal action of the
bicycle in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7. In another bicycle
embodiment of the FIG. 200 the detent system of the hips and knees
are designed such that the legs are free moving to simulate a
bicycle riding style, yet when the figure is removed from the
bicycle, the detents allow the legs to operate rigidly and maintain
the figure in a standing or other desired position.
[0066] FIGS. 10a and 10b show an embodiment of the detent system
implemented into the action figure shoulder and/or hip joints. A
detent cage 260 is disposed within the torso 201 and positioned to
receive a spur gear corresponding to the limb connected to the
same. The detent cage includes internal protrusions or flanges 262a
and 262b, a centrally located hole 266 and external
protrusions/flanges 264a and 264b.
[0067] By way of example, the operation of the detent cage will be
described with respect to the hip joint mechanism of FIG. 10b. The
hip joint includes a spur gear 284 having a keyed shaft 286 on one
side and a non-keyed shaft on the other. The shaft 286 is inserted
into hole 266 of detent cage 260 such that the spur gear 284 is
operably positioned within the cage and detents 262a and 262b
engage between the teeth of the gear 284. The external
protrusions/flanges are used to retain the detent cage within the
torso 201 of the action figure in a non-movable manner. Once the
detent cage 260 is mounted within the torso 201, the keyed end 286
of the shaft is mated with a leg having a corresponding mating key
arrangement. When the leg is attached in this manner, the detents
262a and 262b engage gear 284 and provide a very rigid and
selective positioning of the leg as desired by the user. The
rotation of gear 284 within detent cage 260 provides a very secure
positioning system for the legs and allows almost very finite
adjustments in the rotative position without compromising the
integrity and strength of the leg position at any time.
[0068] FIG. 10a shows an embodiment of the shoulder shaft 252
having a shaft end 272 adapted for insertion into hole 266 in
detent cage 260, a keyed portion 274 and an arm engaging portion
280. A spur gear 254 is inserted into detent cage 260, and includes
a keyed hole 270 for mating engagement with keyed portion 274. A
collar 276 prevents shaft 252 from laterally sliding out of the
torso 201 and thereby maintains the mating engagement with gear 254
and detent cage 260. An arm is connected to the arm engaging
portion 280 using the central hole 278. The outer surface of arm
engaging portion is rounded and enables full movement of the arm in
a direction indicated by arrow 258, while the shaft 252 is rotated
about axis 256 as shown by arrow 259.
[0069] In accordance with this embodiment of the shoulder joint
mechanism, the rounded surface of arm engaging portion 180 enables
a smooth lateral movement of the shoulder joint in a direction
corresponding with the curved surface of portion 180, and thereby
provides a second degree of motion apart from rotation about axis
256. This two degree of motion provides a realistic action figure
that can be positioned in many different positions, including
various stunt poses.
[0070] FIGS. 11-14 show another embodiment of a two wheeled radio
controlled vehicle according to the present invention. In this
embodiment, the vehicle is styled like a motorcycle and includes
additional modifications to the placement of various
components.
[0071] The motorcycle 300 includes a fuel tank 302 and a seat 304
in the style of a motocross bike. Mechanically speaking, the
motorcycle 300 includes a housing 306 that is disposed between the
front and rear wheels and includes a plurality of batteries 310 and
the flywheel 320 (FIGS. 13 and 14) of the stabilization system. A
swing arm 308 is pivotally connected to the chassis of the
motorcycle at a pivot point 318. Swing arm 308, in conjunction with
shock absorber 332 provides realistic suspension action to the
motorcycle during operation. The disposition of the batteries 310
in housing 306 along with the flywheel 320 places an increased
percentage of the overall weight of the motorcycle in the lower
central portion of the same. As such, it will be clear that this
design substantially lowers the center of gravity and lowers the
center of the flywheel for optimal gyroscopic effect of the toy and
thereby increases the operating stability of the motorcycle,
especially at lower speeds.
[0072] The flywheel or stability system motor 314 is preferably
mounted above housing 306 and includes a spur gear 315 and others
(not shown) to drive flywheel 320 independent of drive motor 316.
In addition, the printed circuit board containing the electronics
necessary for operation is disposed in the area under the fuel tank
302 and above housing 306.
[0073] The drive motor 316 is mounted within the swing arm assembly
308 and includes spur gears 33 (FIG. 14) that are connected to the
rear axle 328 of rear wheel 326 for selectively driving the same.
As with the previous embodiments, drive motor 316 is operably
independent from flywheel drive motor 314 and therefore enables the
same to drive the flywheel 320 at a constant speed irrespective of
the operation speed of the drive motor 316.
[0074] Foot pegs 324a and 324b (FIGS. 13 and 14) provide foot rests
for the action figure attached to the motorcycle during operation,
and also provide an area for the hand clips 202 and/or foot clips
206 to engage for stunt positioning of the figure on the
motorcycle.
[0075] While there have been shown, described and pointed out
fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred
embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions,
substitutions, changes in the form and details of the devices
illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled
in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For
example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those
elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same
function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results
are within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *