U.S. patent application number 12/660239 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-30 for toy vehicle rotational element for rotating a toy vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to JAKKS Pacific, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Bernstein, Gabriel Carlson, Dion Fields, Dominic Laurienzo.
Application Number | 20100330874 12/660239 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43381254 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-30 |
![](/patent/app/20100330874/US20100330874A1-20101230-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20100330874/US20100330874A1-20101230-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20100330874/US20100330874A1-20101230-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20100330874/US20100330874A1-20101230-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20100330874/US20100330874A1-20101230-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20100330874/US20100330874A1-20101230-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20100330874/US20100330874A1-20101230-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20100330874/US20100330874A1-20101230-D00007.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20100330874 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carlson; Gabriel ; et
al. |
December 30, 2010 |
Toy vehicle rotational element for rotating a toy vehicle
Abstract
Described is a toy vehicle track set and, more particularly, a
rotational element for use with a track set that is operable for
rotating a toy vehicle. The rotational element includes an anchor
for attaching the rotational element with a surface. A flip box is
operatively connected with the anchor, and the flip box is formed
to receive a toy vehicle and rotate the toy vehicle. A track
connector connects a toy vehicle track with the rotational element,
such that the toy vehicle engages the track and is propelled from
the flip box along the track. The flip box is spring-loaded, and
entrance of the toy vehicle into the flip box causes a spring
element to be released and the flip box to rotate the toy vehicle
and return the toy vehicle back onto the track. In a desired
aspect, the track is a string.
Inventors: |
Carlson; Gabriel; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Laurienzo; Dominic; (Los Angeles,
CA) ; Fields; Dion; (Thousand Oaks, CA) ;
Bernstein; Michael; (Hermosa Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOPE-MCKAY & ASSOCIATES
30765 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY #420
MALIBU
CA
90265
US
|
Assignee: |
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Malibu
CA
|
Family ID: |
43381254 |
Appl. No.: |
12/660239 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61208161 |
Feb 21, 2009 |
|
|
|
61208490 |
Feb 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/446 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 18/026 20130101;
A63H 18/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/446 |
International
Class: |
A63H 18/00 20060101
A63H018/00 |
Claims
1. A toy vehicle rotational element for rotating a toy vehicle,
comprising: an anchor for attaching the rotational element with a
surface; a flip box, wherein the flip box is formed to receive a
toy vehicle and rotate the toy vehicle; and a track connector for
connecting a track with the rotational element, such that the toy
vehicle engages the track and is propelled from the flip box along
the track.
2. The toy vehicle rotational element as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the flip box is formed to be spring-loaded, such that
rotation of the flip box induces extension of a spring element
connected with the flip box, and wherein entrance of the toy
vehicle into the flip box causes the spring element to be released
and the flip box to rotate.
3. The toy vehicle rotational element as set forth in claim 2,
further comprising a flip box housing connecting the flip box with
the anchor.
4. The toy vehicle rotational element as set forth in claim 3,
wherein the flip box comprises at least one cut-out therein to
provide clearance for a flywheel of the toy vehicle to engage the
track.
5. The toy vehicle rotational element as set forth in claim 4,
wherein the track connector is attached with the flip box
housing.
6. The toy vehicle rotational element as set forth in claim 5,
wherein the track is a string.
7. The toy vehicle rotational element as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the flip box comprises at least one cut-out therein to
provide clearance for a flywheel of the toy vehicle to engage the
track.
8. The toy vehicle rotational element as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the track is a string.
9. The toy vehicle rotational element as set forth in claim 1,
further comprising a flip box housing connecting the flip box with
the anchor.
10. The toy vehicle rotational element as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the track connector is attached with the flip box
housing.
11. A method for forming a toy vehicle rotational element for
rotating a toy vehicle, comprising acts of: forming an anchor for
attaching the rotational element with a surface; forming a flip
box, wherein the flip box is formed to receive a toy vehicle and
rotate the toy vehicle; and forming a track connector for
connecting a track with the rotational element, such that the toy
vehicle engages the track and is propelled from the flip box along
the track.
12. The method for forming the toy vehicle rotational element as
set forth in claim 11, further comprising an act of forming the
flip box to be spring-loaded, such that rotation of the flip box
induces extension of a spring element connected with the flip box,
and wherein entrance of the toy vehicle into the flip box causes
the spring element to be released and the flip box to rotate.
13. The method for forming the toy vehicle rotational element as
set forth in claim 12, further comprising an act of forming a flip
box housing connecting the flip box with the anchor.
14. The method for forming the toy vehicle rotational element as
set forth in claim 13, further comprising an act of forming the
flip box to have at least one cut-out therein to provide clearance
for a flywheel of the toy vehicle to engage the track.
15. The method for forming the toy vehicle rotational element as
set forth in claim 14, further comprising an act of attaching the
track connector with the flip box housing.
16. The method for forming the toy vehicle rotational element as
set forth in claim 15, wherein the track is a string.
17. The method for forming the toy vehicle rotational element as
set forth in claim 11, further comprising an act of forming the
flip box to have at least one cut-out therein to provide clearance
for a flywheel of the toy vehicle to engage the track.
18. The method for forming the toy vehicle rotational element as
set forth in claim 11, further comprising an act of forming a flip
box housing connecting the flip box with the anchor.
19. The method for forming the toy vehicle rotational element as
set forth in claim 11, further comprising an act of attaching the
track connector with the flip box housing.
20. The method for forming the toy vehicle rotational element as
set forth in claim 11, wherein the track is a string.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This is a Non-Provisional patent application of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/208,161 filed in the United States
on Feb. 21, 2009, titled, "Toy Vehicle Rotational Element for
Rotating a Toy Vehicle." This application is also a Non-Provisional
patent application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/208,490
filed in the United States on Feb. 25, 2009, titled, "Toy Vehicle
Launcher."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a toy vehicle track set
and, more particularly, to a rotational element for use with a
track set that is operable for rotating a toy vehicle.
[0004] (2) Description of Related Art
[0005] Track sets for use with toy vehicles have long been known in
the art. Conventional track sets use a length of track upon which a
toy vehicle is placed and rolled along. Some improvements upon such
traditional track sets include obstacles and, in some cases, ramps.
In such cases, the ramps are typically positioned at the end of the
track to allow the vehicle to enter the ramp and then become
airborne upon exiting the ramp. Alternatively, obstacles are used
to allow the toy vehicle to maneuver through or otherwise interact
with the obstacles. While these track sets provide enjoyment and a
certain level of interaction, they all require that the toy vehicle
continue along a length of track. In other words, existing track
sets do not provide for a mechanism by which the toy vehicle is
manipulated to immediately return on the same track from which it
came.
[0006] Thus, a continuing need exists for a mechanism or device for
use with a track set that is operable for immediately returning a
toy vehicle to the same track from which it came.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a toy vehicle track set
and, more particularly, to a rotational element for use with a
track set that is operable for rotating a toy vehicle. The
rotational element includes an anchor for attaching the rotational
element with a surface. A flip box is operatively connected with
the anchor, and the flip box is formed to receive a toy vehicle and
rotate the toy vehicle. The rotational element further comprises a
track connector for connecting a track with the rotational element,
such that the toy vehicle engages the track and is propelled from
the flip box along the track.
[0008] In another aspect, the flip box is formed to be
spring-loaded, such that rotation of the flip box induces extension
of a spring element connected with the flip box, and wherein
entrance of the toy vehicle into the flip box causes the spring
element to be released and the flip box to rotate and propel the
toy vehicle from the flip box.
[0009] In another aspect, the toy vehicle rotational element
further comprises a flip box housing connecting the flip box with
the anchor.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the flip box comprises at least one
cut-out therein to provide clearance for a flywheel of the toy
vehicle to engage the track.
[0011] In another aspect, the track connector is attached with the
flip box housing.
[0012] In another aspect, the track is a string.
[0013] Finally, the present invention also includes a method for
forming and using the device described herein. The method for
forming the device includes a plurality of acts of forming and
attaching the said components to arrive at the described device.
Alternatively, the method for using the device includes a plurality
of acts of using the device as described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions
of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with
reference to the following drawings, where:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a toy vehicle rotational
element according to the present invention, depicting the
rotational element as connected with a string;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example of a toy vehicle for
use with the rotational element of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side, perspective-view illustration of a toy
vehicle rotational element according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side-view illustration of a toy vehicle
rotational element according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front-view illustration of a toy vehicle
rotational element according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top-view illustration of a toy vehicle
rotational element according to the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded-view illustration of a toy vehicle
rotational element according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present invention relates to a toy vehicle track set
and, more particularly, to a rotational element for use with a
track set that is operable for rotating a toy vehicle. The
following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill
in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in
the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as
well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles
defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus,
the present invention is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed
herein.
[0023] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough
understanding of the present invention. However, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may
be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific
details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are
shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to
avoid obscuring the present invention.
[0024] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and
documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and
which are open to public inspection with this specification, and
the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated
herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this
specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and
drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same,
equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is
one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar
features.
[0025] Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly
state "means for" performing a specified function, or "step for"
performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a
"means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112,
Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of "step of" or "act of" in the
claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.
112, Paragraph 6.
[0026] Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back,
top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have
been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to
imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to
reflect relative locations and/or directions between various
portions of an object.
[0027] (1) Description
[0028] The present invention relates to a rotational element for
use with a track set that is operable for rotating a toy vehicle.
The rotational element is formed to rotate (e.g., flip) a toy
vehicle at the end of a track and replace the toy vehicle upon the
track so that it returns in the direction from which it came. In
other words, the rotational element is positioned at the end of a
track such that when the toy vehicle enters the rotational element,
it flips the toy vehicle which causes it to exit the rotational
element and return on the track in the direction that it initially
came from.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the rotational element 100 can be
connected with a track 102. The track 102 can be a conventional
track or any other suitable track upon which a toy vehicle can
travel, a non-limiting example of which includes a string (as shown
in FIG. 1). In one aspect as shown, the track 102 (e.g., string) is
connected to a launcher 104 that shoots the toy vehicle along the
track 102 and into the rotational element 100. The track 102 is
connected to the rotational element 100 through any suitable
mechanism, depending on the type of track 102. Non-limiting
examples of mechanisms by which the track 102 is connected to the
rotational element include a snap-fit mechanism and a thread and
screw configuration.
[0030] The rotational element is formed to operate with a mobile
toy vehicle, a non-limiting example of which includes a die-cast
1:64 toy vehicle. A non-limiting example is illustrated in FIG. 2,
where the rotational element is formed to operate with a toy
vehicle 200 that includes a flywheel 202 (or a traditional toy
vehicle without a flywheel). The flywheel 202 extends through an
aperture of the bottom of the toy vehicle 200, and at least a
portion of the flywheel 202 extends through an aperture of the top
portion of the toy vehicle 200. The portion of the flywheel 202
which extends through the aperture of the bottom portion is able to
contact a surface below the toy vehicle 200 to propel the toy
vehicle 200. The surface can either be a ground surface or a track.
As a non-limiting example, the flywheel 202 includes an indentation
around its circumference that allows it to run along a thin track
(e.g., string).
[0031] The flywheel 202 is powered through any suitable mechanism
or device, a non-limiting example of which includes a rip cord 204
that is connectable with a gear attached with the flywheel 202. The
rip cord 204 includes a set of teeth 206 along at least one side
and is removably inserted inside the toy vehicle 200 to induce
rotation of the flywheel 202. The rip cord 204 induces rotation of
the flywheel 202 by interlocking with at least a portion of the
flywheel 202 or an axle inserted through the flywheel 202. For
example, a gear with teeth can be attached with the axle and
exposed for engagement with the rip cord 204. Alternatively, if a
launcher 104 is used (as shown in FIG. 1), the launcher 104 may
include a direct drive system that includes a drive wheel that
engages with the flywheel 202 when the toy vehicle 200 is loaded
into the launcher 104. It should be understood that the toy vehicle
200 requires an intrinsic power means (e.g., the flywheel 202) to
propel the toy vehicle 200 across a surface. It is the intrinsic
power means that drives the toy vehicle 200 into the rotational
element and from the rotational element.
[0032] FIGS. 3 through 10 illustrate various views of the
rotational element 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotational element
100 includes an anchor 300 for attaching the rotational element 100
with a surface. The anchor 300 is any suitable mechanism or device
for affixing the rotational element 100 with a surface,
non-limiting examples of which include a suction cup mechanism, a
clamp mechanism, an adhesive (e.g., glue), weld, or fastener for
fastening the rotational element 100 with another object, device,
or surface (e.g., wall). As can be appreciated by one skilled in
the art, the anchor 300 may be either detachably attached or
permanently attached with the rotational element 100.
[0033] The rotational element 100 also comprises an elongated flip
box 302. The flip box 302 is operably connected with the anchor 300
(via a housing, rotator, or any other suitable mechanism or
device). As a non-limiting example, and as illustrated in FIG. 3,
the rotational element includes a flip box housing 304, which
connects the flip box 302 with the anchor 300. The flip box housing
304 stabilizes the flip box 302 and also provides a means of
attachment to the anchor 300.
[0034] In a desired aspect, the flip box 302 is sized and shaped to
receive the toy vehicle and turn the toy vehicle upside down. As
noted above, the toy vehicle may include a flywheel that protrudes
from the toy vehicle on both the bottom and top sides of the toy
vehicle. Thus, when the toy vehicle is rotated upside down, the
flywheel that previously protruded from the top of the toy vehicle
now protrudes from the bottom of the toy vehicle to engage the
surface and drive the toy vehicle from the flip box 302 and back
down the track.
[0035] Furthermore, the flip box 302 is formed to be spring-loaded.
Thus, the flip box 302 is connected with the anchor 300 through a
spring mechanism. The flip box 302 can be rotated 180 degrees (or
any other suitable rotation), at which point the flip box 302 is
locked into a loaded position, wherein a bias element (e.g., spring
element) is extended (i.e., stretched). When the toy vehicle enters
the flip box 302, it causes the flip box 302 to be compressed and
released from the loaded (extended) position and thereby rotate
(i.e., flip) 180 degrees to its original position. In rotating, the
flip box 302 effectively flips the toy vehicle 180 degrees so that
the directional momentum of the flywheel, or other intrinsic power
means, is now rotated 180 degrees to cause the toy vehicle to drive
from the flip box 302 and return on the track. The flip box 302 is
released from the loaded position using any suitable mechanism or
device, a non-limiting example of which includes a trigger
mechanism or a locking cam that is released through compression of
the flip box 302. For instance, the mechanism may include a latch
connected with a lock (e.g., cam lock) that is activated and then
released when the toy vehicle impacts the back end of the flip box
302. This impact pushes the latch off of the lock and allows the
spring to release, thereby flipping the toy vehicle and returning
it to the track in an upside-down orientation.
[0036] FIG. 4 depicts a side-view of the rotational element 100. As
shown in FIG. 4, the rotational element 100 includes a track
connector 400 below the flip box 302, which is depicted as
protruding from the flip box housing 304. A non-limiting example of
a track connector 400, as illustrated in FIG. 4, is a quick
disconnect socket. However, as can be appreciated by one skilled in
the art, the track connector 400 can be connected with the flip box
302, flip box housing 304, or anchor 300, either directly or
indirectly, through any suitable mechanism or device. The track
connector 400 is formed to allow a user to easily connect a track
(e.g., string) with the rotational element 100. As can be
appreciated by one skilled in the art, the rotational element 100
can include any suitable track connector 400 for connection with a
variety of types of tracks, non-limiting examples of which include
a snap-fit mechanism and a thread and screw configuration.
Additionally, if the track is a string, the string may simple be
tied to the track connector 400.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a front-view of the rotational element
100. As is depicted in this view, the flip box 302 includes a
cavity 500 formed to receive a toy vehicle. FIG. 6 is a top-view
illustration of the rotational element 100. As described above, in
a desired aspect the rotational element 100 is formed to be used
with a toy vehicle that includes a flywheel which extends through
an aperture of the bottom of the toy vehicle. In order to
accommodate the flywheel of such a toy vehicle, both the flip box
302 and the flip box housing 304 have an elongated cut-out 600
therein to provide clearance for the flywheel to contact the track,
which is connected with the rotational element 100 through the
track connector 400. Additionally, a flip box shaft 602 is shown in
this view. In a desired aspect, the flip box shaft 602 is a
component of the flipping mechanism. The flip box shaft 602 is
connected with the flip box 302 as part of the mechanism which
allows the flip box 302 to rotate as will be described in detail
below.
[0038] FIG. 7 is an exploded-view illustration of the rotational
element 100. As shown, the rotational element 100 includes an
anchor 300 (shown as a suction cup) for attachment to a surface
(e.g., wall). It should be understood that the present invention
can also be a part of a larger playset, such that the rotational
element is integrally molded with or attached to the larger
playset. In such an aspect, the anchor 300 could be considered the
integrally molded connection (or screws, etc.) that attaches the
rotational element 100 to the larger playset.
[0039] However, as depicted, an attachment ring 700 is used to
connect the anchor 300 to an attachment housing 702. Additionally,
the attachment housing 702 includes a flip box arm 704 having a
latch element 706. The latch element 706 is engageable with a
locking element 708 on the flip box housing 304. A bias element 710
(e.g., a spring element) is also attached with the flip box housing
304. When the flip box 302 is rotated 180 degrees into a loaded
position, the bias element 710 is extended and the latch element
706 engages the locking element 708. In one aspect, as shown in
FIG. 7, the flip box 302 is connected with the flip box arm 704
(such as through the flip box shaft 602), such that when a toy
vehicle strikes the back of the flip box 302, the flip box 302 is
driven forward causing the latch element 706 to be released (i.e.,
pop out) from the locking element 708. The bias element 710 is then
able to rotate the flip box 302 due to a connection between the
bias element 710 and the latch element 706 when the rotational
element 100 is fully assembled. Thus, the release of the bias
element 710 (i.e., compression of the spring element) allows 180
degree rotation of the flip box 302 about the major axis of the
flip box shaft 602. The toy vehicle inside the flip box 302 then
lands back on the attached track (e.g., string) in the opposite
orientation (i.e., upside-down). As shown, a screw 712 attaches the
track connector with the flip box housing 304.
* * * * *