U.S. patent application number 13/028932 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-16 for suspension module for a toy vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPIN MASTER LTD.. Invention is credited to Stephen D. Bond, James Franklin Elliott, III, Patrick Alan Sheridan.
Application Number | 20120208429 13/028932 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46637239 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120208429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sheridan; Patrick Alan ; et
al. |
August 16, 2012 |
SUSPENSION MODULE FOR A TOY VEHICLE
Abstract
An interchangeable suspension module for use in a toy vehicle
comprising: a suspension block and one or more wheels rotatably
mounted on the suspension block. The suspension module is removably
mountable on the toy vehicle by a user. The user can modify the
performance of the toy vehicle by removing from the toy vehicle one
interchangeable suspension module which imparts a certain
performance to the toy vehicle, and replacing it with a second
interchangeable suspension module which imparts a different
performance. A toy vehicle having a chassis that is adapted to
receive one or more interchangeable suspension modules is also
provided.
Inventors: |
Sheridan; Patrick Alan;
(Playa Del Rey, CA) ; Elliott, III; James Franklin;
(La Crescenta, CA) ; Bond; Stephen D.; (Agoura,
CA) |
Assignee: |
SPIN MASTER LTD.
Toronto
CA
|
Family ID: |
46637239 |
Appl. No.: |
13/028932 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/466 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/262
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/466 |
International
Class: |
A63H 17/26 20060101
A63H017/26 |
Claims
1. An interchangeable suspension module for use in a toy vehicle
having a chassis, the interchangeable suspension module comprising:
a suspension block; and one or more wheels rotatably mounted on the
suspension block; wherein the interchangeable suspension module is
removably mountable on the toy vehicle by a user; and wherein
performance of the toy vehicle is modifiable by the user, by
removing from the toy vehicle a first interchangeable suspension
module having at least one first value of at least one performance
property and mounting on the toy vehicle a second interchangeable
suspension module having at least one second value of the at least
one performance property, the at least one first value being
different from the at least one second value.
2. The interchangeable suspension module of claim 1 wherein the at
least one performance property is one or more of weight, wheel
friction, wheel width, wheel radius and wheel grip.
3. The interchangeable suspension module of claim 1 wherein the
suspension block further comprises a biasing element to bias the
one or more wheels in a direction away from the chassis when the
toy vehicle is in operation.
4. The interchangeable suspension module of claim 3 wherein the
biasing element comprises a spring.
5. The interchangeable suspension module of claim 1 wherein the one
or more wheels are each rotatably mounted on an axle.
6. The interchangeable suspension module of claim 5 wherein at
least one surface area of contact between the one or more wheels
and the axle is reduced to minimize rolling friction when the toy
vehicle is in operation.
7. The interchangeable suspension module of claim 5 wherein at
least one of the axle and the one or more wheels are coated with a
friction-reducing material.
8. The interchangeable suspension module of claim 7 wherein the
friction-reducing material is TEFLON.
9. A toy vehicle comprising a chassis adapted to receive one or
more interchangeable suspension modules according to claim 1.
10. A kit comprising: a plurality of interchangeable suspension
modules according to claim 1; and a toy vehicle comprising a
chassis adapted to receive each of the plurality of interchangeable
suspension modules.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a toy vehicle,
and more particularly to a suspension module for use in a toy
vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The performance of a toy vehicle, such as a toy car, is
influenced by many factors, including its suspension and wheels.
The suspension contributes to the road-holding and handling
characteristics, and style of performance of a toy vehicle. For
example, some toy vehicles have suspensions that are tuned to
provide good handling characteristics on drag strips but do not
perform as well on twisty curvy tracks. Other toy vehicles may be
capable of performing stunts like loops and jumps while others are
not. The front suspension of a toy vehicle may be different from
the rear suspension depending on the desired performance
characteristics.
[0003] As well, features of the wheels of a toy vehicle, such as
size, width, radius, weight, road grip, material and design, can
also affect the toy vehicle's style of performance and appearance.
For example, the speed of some toy vehicles is limited because of
the friction produced between the wheels and the axle. This
limitation prevents toy vehicles from achieving optimal performance
when used for racing. Therefore, different toy vehicles are
required to get the performance characteristics desired, depending
on the types of track these toy vehicles are intended to be used
on.
[0004] Because existing suspensions and wheels are often
permanently built into a toy vehicle during the manufacturing
process, it is difficult for users to upgrade their existing toy
vehicle to provide a different look or to provide different
handling or performance characteristics unless they buy another toy
vehicle that has the desired characteristics. Therefore, there is a
need for an interchangeable suspension module and a new toy vehicle
that is capable of receiving interchangeable suspension modules so
that a user can alter the performance of the toy vehicle by simply
switching suspension modules.
SUMMARY
[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides an
interchangeable suspension module for use in a toy vehicle. The
interchangeable suspension module includes a suspension block and
one or more wheels rotatably mounted on the suspension block. The
interchangeable suspension module can be removed from the toy
vehicle and be replaced with another suspension module by a user.
The user can modify the performance of the toy vehicle by removing
from the toy vehicle a first interchangeable suspension module
having at least one first value of at least one performance
property, and replacing it with a second interchangeable suspension
module having at least one second value of the at least one
performance property, where the at least one first value is
different from the at least one second value.
[0006] In at least one embodiment, the at least one performance
property is one or more of weight, wheel friction, wheel width,
wheel radius and wheel grip.
[0007] A further aspect of the present invention provides a toy
vehicle having a chassis that is adapted to receive an
interchangeable suspension module as described herein.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a kit
comprising a plurality of interchangeable suspension modules as
described herein; and a toy vehicle comprising a chassis adapted to
receive each of the plurality of interchangeable suspension
modules.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Further features of the present invention will become
apparent from the following written description and the
accompanying drawings and the appended claims in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present
toy vehicle.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the
present toy vehicle, with one suspension block removed.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom exploded view of one embodiment of the
present interchangeable suspension module.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.
3.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel and axle of the
embodiment of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present interchangeable suspension module has a
suspension block, one or more wheels rotatably mounted on the
suspension block, and at least one performance property that acts
to modify the performance of a toy vehicle. The interchangeable
suspension module is removably attached to the chassis of a toy
vehicle and can be removed and replaced with another
interchangeable suspension module by a user to alter the
performance characteristics and the appearance of the toy vehicle.
As will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art, and as
described further below, the suspension module can vary in shape,
size, weight, material, design and construction, as long as it can
be interchangeably attached to the chassis of the toy vehicle.
Furthermore, an interchangeable suspension module for attachment to
the front of the chassis can be the same as or different from an
interchangeable suspension module for attachment to the rear of the
chassis. Screws or other retaining means known to the person of
skill in the art can be used to secure the present interchangeable
suspension module to the chassis of the present toy vehicle.
[0016] The one or more wheels are rotatably mounted on the
suspension block by mechanisms well known in the art, including but
not limited to an axle. In at least one embodiment, the one or more
wheels are mounted on a single axle which passes through the
suspension block. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the
one or more wheels are mounted on a split axle or on one or more
stub axles which are each attached to or embedded in the suspension
block. Other methods of mounting wheels rotatably on the suspension
block will be apparent to the skilled person.
[0017] In at least one embodiment of the present interchangeable
suspension module, the surface area of contact between the wheels
and the axle is limited so as to minimize the rolling friction.
This enables the wheels to rotate faster, allowing a toy vehicle to
achieve optimal performance when used for racing. In at least
another embodiment of the present interchangeable suspension
module, either or both of the wheels and the axle are coated with a
friction-reducing material, including but not limited to TEFLON.TM.
(polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE), to reduce the rolling friction
produced when a toy vehicle is in operation. Other suitable
friction-reducing materials that are known to the person of skill
in the art can also be used.
[0018] At least one embodiment of the present interchangeable
suspension module comprises a biasing element. The biasing element
comprises a spring or other mechanisms known to the person of skill
in the art that can provide some resilient resistance to the
vertical movement of a wheel so as to keep the wheel substantially
in contact with the surface of the track when a toy vehicle is in
operation. This suspension mechanism provided by the biasing
element enhances the road-holding capability and the handling
characteristics of the toy vehicle.
[0019] The performance of a toy vehicle can be modified by
exchanging one interchangeable suspension module, having one value
of at least one performance property for a second interchangeable
suspension module having a different value of the at least one
performance property. Such performance properties include but are
not limited to the weight of the suspension module, including the
weight of the suspension block and/or the wheel weight; wheel size,
including the radius and width of the wheel; the friction between
the wheel and the axle upon which the wheel is mounted; and wheel
grip. Wheel grip, or the grip the wheel holds on the track, can be
influenced by factors including but not limited to the contact area
between the wheel and the ground, the material of which the wheel
is made and the tread pattern of the wheel.
[0020] The weight of the interchangeable suspension module can
influence the performance characteristics of a toy vehicle on which
the interchangeable suspension module is mounted. For example, a
heavyweight suspension module is desirable for use in a toy vehicle
that is intended for high-speed racing on a drag strip. A
lightweight suspension module is preferred to provide a toy vehicle
with stability and better handling characteristics when racing on
twisty curvy racetracks or when performing stunts. A lightweight
suspension module also minimizes swerving of the toy vehicle when
cornering. A medium-weight suspension module, on the other hand,
provides balance and stability.
[0021] The weight of the present suspension module can be modified
by methods well known in the art. For example, a suspension block
may be manufactured to be substantially hollow or substantially
solid, or to have a separate weight enclosed or mounted within the
suspension block. Furthermore, varying the type and density of
material used for constructing the suspension block can modify the
weight of the suspension block, and therefore, that of the
interchangeable suspension module. In addition, the weight of the
wheels can be modified. The wheels can be designed with a solid
disc-like hub or with spokes separated by larger or smaller void
spaces, so as to increase or decrease wheel mass. Alternatively,
material of varying density, such as metal, or heavy or lightweight
plastics, can be chosen for wheel manufacture.
[0022] Other performance properties can be altered to vary the
style of performance and the appearance of the present toy vehicle.
The wheels can be powered or non-powered, can be made of different
materials, and can vary in width and radius. For example, the
material and design of the wheels, including the treads, can be
modified so as to affect the grip of the wheels on the track or the
amount of friction produced between the wheels and axle when a toy
vehicle is in operation.
[0023] The performance characteristics provided by the present
interchangeable suspension module can be indicated on the
interchangeable suspension module with indicia such as labels,
icons, and the like. Such indicia can aid a user to identify and
choose an interchangeable suspension module that has the desired
performance characteristics for a toy vehicle.
[0024] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of
the present toy vehicle 10, having a body 12, a chassis 14 and
front and rear suspension modules 16. The front and rear suspension
modules 16 can be identical to or different from each other. As
seen in FIG. 2, the suspension modules 16 can be removed from
chassis 14 by removing screw 17, and replaced with another
suspension module 16 with different performance features. The
replacement suspension module 16 can be secured to the chassis 14
by inserting screw 17 through mounting aperture 18 into screw
aperture 19.
[0025] As seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, suspension module 16 includes
suspension block 20 and wheels 21. In at least one embodiment,
shown in FIG. 3, cap 22 and housing 24 are connected to form
suspension block 20 by inserting screws (not shown) into screw
apertures 26 and 28. However, suspension block 20 can be
manufactured by any method known in the art, including connecting
individual sections using adhesives or snap-fit, and molding or
forming the suspension block 20 so as to be of unitary
construction. Suspension module 16 is mounted on chassis 14 by
inserting screw 17 through mounting aperture 18 in cap 22, as seen
in FIG. 2.
[0026] In at least one embodiment, suspension block 20 includes
internal aperture 30. The size of internal aperture 30 can be
adjusted according to the desired weight of suspension block 20.
Thus, for heavier suspension blocks, internal aperture 30 can have
a relatively small volume, and for lighter hollow suspension
blocks, internal aperture 30 can occupy a significant portion of
the internal volume of suspension block 20. Internal aperture 30
can also be adapted to receive a separate weight (not shown).
[0027] As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, axle 32 is received in
internal aperture 30, which is sized to allow vertical movement of
axle 32 when toy vehicle 10 is in use. Axle 32 is a single rigid
shaft, which also passes through apertures 33 in rotors 34.
Suspension module 16 also includes biasing element 36 in the form
of a spring, which biases axle 32 in a direction towards cap 22 and
away from chassis 14, so as to urge wheels 21 towards the ground
when the toy vehicle is in use. During use, axle 32 and wheels 21
may be temporarily urged towards housing 24 and chassis 14 against
the bias of biasing element 36, such as when, for example, the toy
vehicle lands after performing a stunt or passes over a bump in a
track. However, axle 32 and wheels 21 are restored to a position
biased towards cap 22 through the action of biasing element 36.
[0028] Wheels 21 are rotatably mounted on both ends of axle 32. In
at least one alternative embodiment, axle 32 can also be a split
axle or a stub axle embedded in suspension block 20. In at least
one embodiment, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 5, wheels 21
are mounted over axle sleeve 38 on axle 32 so as to minimize the
surface area of contact between wheel 21 and axle 32. Axle sleeve
38 can be made of a friction reducing material such as TEFLON.TM.,
thereby reducing the rolling friction produced when a toy vehicle
is in operation.
[0029] The embodiments of the present invention described herein
are intended to be illustrative and are not intended to limit the
scope of the present invention. Various modifications which are
readily apparent to the person of skill in the art are intended to
be within the scope of the invention, the only limitations to which
are set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *