Spinning Vehicle Apparatus and Assembly

Abstract

A vehicle includes a platform having first and second sides and upper and lower surfaces. First and second wheels are operatively coupled to the platform and disposed proximate the first side of the platform. The first and second wheels each have a support surface contact patch that lies in a first plane. The vehicle also includes a disk rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the platform. The disk has first and second regions associated with respective first and second sides of the platform and an inner ring. The disk lies in a second plane disposed at an angle to the first plane, such that when the contact patches of the first and second wheels are in contact with the support surface the first region is further away from the support surface than the second region and the inner ring contacts the support surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention generally relates to a vehicle, and more particularly, to a spinning vehicle apparatus and assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Although toy vehicles have proven to be extremely successful and long-lasting products, manufacturers are constantly seeking new ways to make the operation of such vehicles more entertaining and amusing. While many toy vehicles are configured to be propelled on wheels in a straight path, some manufacturers have produced toy vehicles capable of performing one or more stunts or tricks. However, many toy vehicles have a predictable path of movement, which may become mundane or less entertaining after multiple uses. Moreover, while certain toy vehicles having spinning capabilities, their spinning behavior is typically limited to a single direction of rotation relative to the support surface on which the vehicle is propelled.

[0003] In addition, many toy vehicles have a tendency to flip over when performing tricks or to stop when the vehicle runs into an obstacle in the path of movement. Either of these circumstances requires the operator to manually place the vehicle back to its upright position or move the vehicle away from the obstacle and propel the vehicle again. Such an interruption may frustrate the operator and make the experience less enjoyable. As such, there is room for improvement of toy vehicles with spinning mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one embodiment of the invention, a vehicle configured to operate on a support surface includes a platform having first and second sides and upper and lower surfaces. The vehicle also includes first and second wheels operatively coupled to the platform and disposed proximate the first side of the platform. The first and second wheels each have a support surface contact patch, and the contact patches lie in a first plane. The vehicle further includes a disk rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the platform. The disk has first and second regions associated with respective first and second sides of the platform and an inner ring. In an embodiment, the disk also has an outer ring. The disk lies in a second plane disposed at an angle to the first plane, such that when the contact patches of the first and second wheels are in contact with the support surface the first region is further away from the support surface than the second region and the inner ring contacts the support surface. In an embodiment, the vehicle further includes a pinion gear configured to engage a rack gear to thereby rotate the disk when the rack gear is pulled.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the invention, an assembly includes a vehicle configured to operate on a support surface and a rack gear. The vehicle includes a platform having first and second sides and upper and lower surfaces. The vehicle also includes first and second wheels operatively coupled to the platform and disposed proximate the first side of the platform. The first and second wheels each have a support surface contact patch, the contact patches lying in a first plane. The vehicle further includes a disk rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the platform. The disk has first and second regions associated with respective first and second sides of the platform and an inner ring and an outer ring. The disk lies in a second plane disposed at an angle to the first plane, such that when the contact patches of the first and second wheels are in contact with the support surface the first region is further away from the support surface than the second region and the inner ring contacts the support surface. The vehicle further includes a pinion gear coupled to the disk. The rack gear is configured to engage with the pinion gear to rotate the disk and inner ring to thereby propel the vehicle on the support surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an assembly including a vehicle and a rack gear in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1A in which the rack gear engages with the vehicle.

[0009] FIG. 1C is a partially disassembled view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A.

[0010] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A showing a type of movement of the vehicle.

[0011] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A showing another type of movement of the vehicle.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A showing yet another type of movement of the vehicle.

[0013] FIG. 4A is a side view of the vehicle riding on its side, similar to FIG. 3, in which an inner ring of a disk has a first diameter.

[0014] FIG. 4B is a side view of the vehicle riding on its side, similar to FIG. 3, in which an inner ring of a disk has a second diameter.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a front view partially broken away of one end of the vehicle of FIG. 1A.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle of FIG. 7 taken along line 9-9.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembly including a vehicle and a rack gear in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 10 showing a type of movement of the vehicle.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 10 showing another type of movement of the vehicle.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle of FIG. 13 taken along line 14-14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] With reference to FIGS. 1-14, embodiments of a vehicle 10 and an assembly 5 including the vehicle 10 and a rack gear 12 are shown. The vehicle 10 is described herein as a toy, but the features of the vehicle 10 and various embodiments are not so limited. With specific reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the vehicle 10 includes a platform 14, wheels 16, 18, and a disk 20 rotatably coupled to the platform 14. With specific reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the platform 14 and the disk 20 lies substantially in a respective plane 22, 24. Each wheel 16 has a contact patch 26 (described below) when the wheels 16 contact a support surface 28. The support surface 28 may comprise, for example, a table top, a floor, the ground, and the like. The contact patches 26 of the wheels 16 lie in a plane 30.

[0026] The vehicle 10 may be designed to resemble a skateboard (FIGS. 1-9) or a car (FIGS. 10-14), for example. In certain embodiments, a FIG. 36 is coupled to an upper portion of the vehicle 10 so as to resemble a rider on the vehicle 10 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B).

[0027] The vehicle 10 is configured to be propelled on the support surface 28 in various directions, in a typically unpredictable path, and spun upon different parts of the vehicle 10. A movement path of the vehicle 10 may include straight or arcuate movement, spinning, turning, or even flipping. The vehicle 10 may be propelled by hand, by the rack gear 12, or by another rotation source.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1-9, the platform 14 has sides 40, 42, ends 44, 46, and an upper surface 48 and a lower surface 50. As shown, the sides 40, 42 have generally straight edges, but, alternatively, they may have arcuate edges. The ends 44, 46 each have a convex arcuate shape. Alternatively, however, one or both of the ends 44, 46 may be pointed, so as to form a triangular or diamond-shape, or they may have straight edges. While the platform 14 shown has a generally oval shape, one of ordinary skill will recognize that the platform 14 could be a variety of suitable shapes and sizes. For example, when the vehicle 10 resembles a car (FIGS. 10-14, described below), the platform 14 may be generally rectangular (FIG. 1C).

[0029] The upper and lower surfaces 48, 50 of the platform 14 are generally planar, and the platform 14 lies substantially within the plane 22. The platform 14 may be composed of plastic or another suitable material. When the vehicle 10 is positioned with the contact patches 26 of the wheels 16 on the support surface 28, the plane 22 is disposed at an angle relative to the plane 30 in which the contact patches 26 lie. In this way, the side 40 is distanced further from the support surface 28 than the side 42. As shown in FIG. 9, the platform 14 is generally parallel to the plane 24 in which the disk 20 lies (described below). Alternatively, the plane 22 may be parallel to the plane 30 (FIG. 11). In that configuration, the plane 22 is disposed at an angle relative to the plane 24.

[0030] The platform 14 has an aperture 52 extending vertically through the platform 14 (i.e., extending from the upper surface 48 to the lower surface 50). The aperture 52 generally corresponds in size and shape to pin 54 (described in further detail below).

[0031] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-9, the wheels 16, 18 are operatively coupled to the platform 14. Two wheels 16 are disposed proximate side 40 with one wheel 16 proximate each end 44, 46 of the platform 14, and two wheels 18 are disposed proximate side 42 with one wheel 18 proximate each end 44, 46 of the platform 14. The two wheels 16, 18 positioned proximate either end 44 or 46 of the platform 14 (i.e., one wheel 16, 18 from each side 40, 42) are operatively coupled via an axle 56. Alternatively, however, the wheels 16, 18 may be coupled to individual, rather than shared, axles 56. It will also be recognized that the number of wheels 16, 18 or the positions of the wheels 16, 18 may vary.

[0032] The wheels 16, 18 may be designed to resemble skate board wheels. The wheels 16, 18 may be composed of rubber or encircled with rubber o-rings for increased traction with the support surface 28. Increased traction will cause the vehicle 10 to be propelled in a generally straighter path than wheels 16, 18 having less traction.

[0033] In an embodiment, axle supports 58 extend from the lower surface 50 of the platform 14 proximate the ends 44, 46 thereof. The axle supports 58 may be coupled to the platform 14 or formed integrally therewith. In the embodiment shown, the lower edge 60 of each axle support 58 is concave, forming an inverted U-shape. In this embodiment, one aperture 62, 64 runs through each wall 66 of the U-shape, and the axle 56 extends between the two apertures 62, 64. The wheels 16, 18 are positioned adjacent outside edges 68, 70 of the axle supports 58. In another embodiment, the lower edge 60 of the axle support 58 may be generally planar, and a single aperture (or tunnel) may run through the entire length of the axle support 58. As shown in FIG. 3, the outside edge 68 of the axle support 58 has a greater height than the outside edge 70 of the axle support 58.

[0034] With specific reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the aperture 64 associated with the edge 70 is larger than the aperture 62 associated with the edge 68. While the aperture 62 associated with the edge 68 generally corresponds in size and shape and is only slightly larger than a circumference of the axle 56, the aperture 64 associated with the edge 70 is larger and allows for a certain amount of vertical movement of the axle 56 within the aperture 64. Due to the relative sizes and positions of the apertures 62, 64, when the wheels 16, 18 contact the support surface 28, only the wheels 16 bear weight of the vehicle 10. Due to space in the aperture 64 above the axle 56, the wheels 18 are able to move upward by height h (shown in phantom in FIG. 8) so as to contact the support surface 28 without bearing weight of the vehicle 10 or contributing to movement of the vehicle 10, even when the support surface 28 is uneven. As such, the wheels 18 give the appearance of supporting the vehicle 10, but they do not.

[0035] With reference still to FIGS. 8 and 9 and as stated above, the wheels 16 contact the support surface 28 at contact patches 26. Because the wheels 16 rotate, the term "contact patch" does not refer to a specific part of the wheel 16; rather, the term "contact patch" refers to the portion of the wheel 16 that contacts the support surface 28 (i.e., the lowest portion of the wheel 16) at any given time.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 8, the axle supports 58 further include aligned longitudinal apertures 72, 74 that generally correspond to the cross-sectional size and shape of the rack gear 12 (described below). The longitudinal apertures 72, 74 are positioned above the axle apertures 62, 64 at a height generally corresponding to a position of a pinion gear 76 (described below). However, in embodiments in which the rack gear 12 is not employed, such apertures 72, 74 are not necessary. Moreover, the apertures 72, 74 might not be necessary based on design of the axle supports 58--for example, if the axle supports 58 do not block access to the pinion gear 76.

[0037] With reference again to FIGS. 1-9, the disk or fly wheel 20 is rotatably coupled to the lower surface 50 of the platform 14, intermediate the axle supports 58. The disk 20 lies in plane 24 (FIG. 9), which is disposed at an angle relative to the plane 30 of the contact patches 26. For example, the plane 24 may be angled approximately 1-45.degree. relative to the plane 30. More specifically, the plane 24 may be angled 1-20.degree. relative to the plane 30. More specifically, the plane 24 may be angled 10.degree. relative to the plane 30.

[0038] A pin 54 that extends through apertures 52 in the disk 20 and the platform 14 couples the disk 20 to the platform 14 and creates an axis of rotation for the disk 20. The pin 54 and the axis of rotation are substantially perpendicular to the plane 24 and are tilted from vertical by angle 0 (FIG. 9), where .theta. is approximately 1-45.degree.. More specifically, the pin 54 and the axis of rotation may be tilted from vertical by approximately 1-20.degree.. More specifically, the pin 54 and the axis of rotation may be tilted from vertical by approximately 10.degree.. In this embodiment, the pin 54 creates a generally vertical axis for the disk 20, which allows the disk 20 to have a relatively large diameter.

[0039] Unlike most toy vehicles having a disk with a horizontal axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of disk 20 is substantially vertical. The substantially vertical axis of rotation allows for the disk 20 to have a larger diameter than the disk on the horizontal axis of rotation, and the larger diameter offers energy benefits and different movement possibilities than the disk on the horizontal axis of rotation. For example, for a given material, the greater the diameter of the disk 20, the greater the mass of the disk 20. And the greater the mass, the greater the amount of rotational kinetic energy in the rotating disk 20 for a given angular velocity and, thus, the longer the possible duration of propulsion of the vehicle 10. In addition, the substantially vertical axis of rotation offers different movement possibilities for the vehicle 10 than the horizontal axis of rotation.

[0040] Based on these same principles, the material of the disk 20 may be selected so as to affect the movement path of the vehicle 10. The disk 20 may be composed of a metal or other material having a substantial mass and may be formed by die cast. The greater the mass of the disk 20 relative to a total mass of the vehicle 10, the longer the duration of propulsion of the vehicle 10.

[0041] The disk 20 has regions 80, 82 associated with sides 40, 42 of the platform 14. Because the disk 20 is configured to rotate, "region" does not refer to a fixed portion of the disk 20. Rather, "region" refers to the portion of the disk 20 that is associated with respective sides 40, 42 at any given time. Depending on the design of the platform 14 and the position of the aperture 52 for the pin 54 in the platform 14, the region 82 may extend beyond side 42 without extending beyond side 40. Because the disk 20 is tilted relative to the plane 30 (FIG. 9), region 80 is distanced further from the plane 30 than region 82.

[0042] The disk 20 includes inner and outer rings 84, 86. In the embodiment shown, the disk 20 has a lower surface 88 and a side surface 90 around a circumference of the disk 20. The outer ring 86 encircles the side surface 90 of the disk 20. The inner ring 84 is coupled to the lower surface 88 of the disk 20. The inner ring 84 is positioned intermediate the outer ring 86 and the pin 54. An angled annular surface 94 lies between the lower surface 88 and the side surface 90.

[0043] Due to the positions of the inner and outer rings 84, 86, only one of the inner and outer rings 84, 86 contacts the support surface 28 during the vehicle's 10 typical operations. In other words, when the inner ring 84 contacts the support surface 28, the outer ring 86 does not, and vice versa. Moreover, because the disk 20 is tilted relative to the support surface 28, only a portion of the inner or outer ring 84, 86 corresponding with region 82 of the disk 20 contacts the support surface 28 at a given time. The remainder of the inner or outer ring 84, 86 is distanced from the support surface 28 at that given time. When the inner ring 84 contacts the support surface 28 and the vehicle 10 is propelled on the inner ring 84, the wheels 16, 18 also contact the support surface 28, and the lower surface 50 of the platform 14 faces the support surface 28 (FIG. 2A). When the inner ring 84 contacts the support surface 28, the angled annular surface 94 may also contact the support surface 28. When the outer ring 86 contacts the support surface 28 and the vehicle 10 is propelled on the outer ring 86, the side 42 of the platform 14 is disposed proximate the support surface 28, and the lower surface 88 of the disk 20 is generally orthogonal to the support surface 28 (FIGS. 4A and 4B).

[0044] With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a diameter of the inner ring 84 may be altered to affect movement characteristics of the vehicle 10. For example, the inner ring 84 shown in FIG. 4A has a diameter d.sub.1 that is larger than diameter d.sub.2 of the inner ring 84 in FIG. 4B. In an embodiment, the disk 20 may be configured such that a plurality of inner rings 84 having different diameters may be removably and interchangeably coupled thereto. In this way, the operator may operate the vehicle 10 with an inner ring 84 of a certain diameter, then replace that inner ring 84 with an inner ring 84 of a different diameter so as to change the movement characteristics of the vehicle 10. For example, the greater the diameter of the inner ring 84, the faster the vehicle 10 is propelled on the support surface 28 for a given angular velocity of the disk 20 and the lower the torque of the disk 20.

[0045] The inner and outer rings 84, 86 may comprise o-rings composed of rubber or another material that provides traction. Alternatively, the inner and outer rings 84, 86 may be formed integrally with the disk 20. The inner and outer rings 84, 86 have generally rounded outer surfaces.

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 1C and 6, the vehicle 10 further includes pinion gear 76 coupled to the pin 54, intermediate the disk 20 and the lower surface 50 of the platform 14. The pinion gear 76 may be integrally formed with the disk 20 or coupled thereto, so as to be fixed relative to and thereby rotate with the disk 20 about the pin 54. The pinion gear 76 has teeth 98 corresponding in size and shape to teeth 100 of the rack gear 12. The teeth 98 on a portion of the pinion gear 76 are aligned with the apertures 72, 74 in the axle supports 58. In this way, the rack gear 12 may be inserted through the apertures 72, 74 and mesh with the pinion gear 76.

[0047] With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, 5, and 6, the rack gear 12, which is also commonly referred to as a zip strip or zip cord, comprises an elongate structure 102 having teeth 100 on at least one side of the elongate structure 102. A width and a height of the elongate structure 102 are slightly smaller than, and generally correspond in size and shape, to the apertures 72, 74 in the axle supports 58. The elongate structure 102 has an end 104 that is configured for insertion through the axle apertures 62, 64. The elongate structure 102 has a length greater than a length of the vehicle 10. However, one of ordinary skill will recognize that the length of the rack gear 12 may vary depending on the desired propulsion of the vehicle 10. The rack gear 12 includes a handle 106 at the end of the elongate structure 102 opposite the end 104. In this way, the rack gear 12 generally forms a T-shape. The rack gear 12 may be composed of plastic or another suitable material.

[0048] When the rack gear 12 is not used with the vehicle 10, the pinion gear 76 may not be necessary. In alternative embodiments, the vehicle 10 may use an external motor or a rotating source other than the rack gear 12 to effect rotation of the disk 20. Particularly when the rack gear 12 or other rotating source is used, the vehicle 10 should clearly indicate an intended direction of movement of the vehicle 10 or what is the front of the vehicle 10, so that the vehicle 10 will be propelled away from the operator and not accidentally propelled toward the operator.

[0049] As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, the FIG. 36 is coupled to the platform 14 and disposed proximate the upper surface 48 of the platform 14. The FIG. 36 may be removably coupled to the platform 14, and various FIGS. 36 may be interchangeably used with the vehicle 10. As shown in FIG. 1A, the platform 14 has a protrusion 110 protruding from the upper surface 48, and the protrusion 110 corresponds in size and shape to a socket (not shown) in the FIG. 36. In this way, the protrusion 110 may be inserted into the socket of the FIG. 36 so as to removably couple the FIG. 36 to the platform 14. Alternatively, the platform 14 may not include protrusion 110 when it is not configured to have FIG. 36 coupled thereto.

[0050] The FIG. 36 may be composed of rubber, plastic, or any other suitable material. It will be recognized that design options for the FIG. 36 are limitless. For example, the FIG. 36 may resemble any type of person, animal, or object.

[0051] The FIG. 36 includes a body 112, an upper portion (or head) 114, and at least one arm 116 extending from the body 112. The head 114 may be rounded or slightly conical, so as to permit spinning of the vehicle 10 thereupon. The arm 116 extends outwardly beyond the side 42 of the platform 14. A distal portion of the arm 116 contacts the support surface 28 when the outer ring 86 contacts the support surface 28. In this way, the arm 116 helps prevent the vehicle 10 from flipping over.

[0052] With reference now to FIGS. 10-14, the same principles described above are generally applicable to an embodiment in which the vehicle 10 resembles a car. A shell 120 is positioned over at least a portion of the upper surface 48 of the platform 14. As shown, the shell 120 is coupled directly to the platform 14. However, one of ordinary skill will recognize that the shell 120 may be coupled to the vehicle 10 in a variety of ways. For example, the shell 120 may alternatively be coupled to at least one of the axle supports 58. A size and shape of the vehicle 10, as well as the shell 120, are designed so that the vehicle 10 resembles a typical toy car. However, it will be recognized that the shell 120 could resemble a variety of other vehicles 10 or limitless possibilities of other objects including, for example, insects. Moreover, an end 122 of the shell 120 may have a rounded or conical shape that allows the vehicle 10 to spin on the end 122 of the shell 120.

[0053] With continued reference to FIGS. 10-14, the wheels 16, 18 are designed to resemble car wheels and, thus, are slightly larger than the wheels 16, 18 of the skateboard embodiment. Moreover, in the car embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the disk 20 may only extend beyond the side 42 (i.e., not beyond both sides 40, 42). In this embodiment, the shell 120 should be configured so as to not prevent the outer ring 86 from contacting the support surface 28. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the disk 20 may not extend beyond either side 40, 42, in which case, the vehicle 10 may not be propelled on the outer ring 86.

[0054] Depending on the configuration of the shell 120 and whether the vehicle is to be operated with the rack gear 12, it may be necessary for the shell 120 to include cutouts or otherwise be formed so as to provide access for the end 104 of the rack gear 12 to be inserted into the aperture 62 of the axle support 58.

[0055] Similar to the skateboard embodiment, the FIG. 36 may be coupled to an upper portion of the vehicle 10, such as an upper surface 124 of the shell 120 or the upper surface 48 of the platform 14, if the platform 14 is not fully covered by the shell 120.

[0056] In addition to movement on or about the inner and outer rings 84, 86 of the disk 20, the size and shape of the vehicle 10 may provide other surfaces upon which the vehicle 10 may spin. For example, the vehicle 10 may sit up on and spin on the back wheels 16, 18 (FIG. 2B). Similarly, the vehicle 10 may spin on an end of the platform 14 or the shell 120 (FIG. 12). In these positions, the disk 20 does not contact the support surface 28, and the platform 14 is positioned generally vertically. As another option, the vehicle 10 may spin about the head 114 of the FIG. 36. In this embodiment, no part of the vehicle 10 contacts the support surface 28, and the vehicle 10 is generally positioned upside down (i.e., the wheels 16, 18 are on an opposite side of the platform 14 from the support surface 28).

[0057] In an embodiment, the pin 54 may have a convex or dome-shaped end 130 that extends slightly past and is disposed adjacent the lower surface 88 of the disk 20. The dome-shaped end 130 may correspond to another pin or a tower-like platform (not shown) having an end with a corresponding concave shape. In this way, the vehicle 10 may be positioned on top of the platform such that the dome-shaped end 130 of the pin 54 rests in the convex end of the platform. The pin 54 may then serve as an axle about which the vehicle 10 may spin on top of the platform. Spinning may be effected by hand power or the rack gear 12, for example.

[0058] In use, for the assembly 5 including the vehicle 10 and the rack gear 12, the vehicle 10 is positioned on support surface 28 such that a front end of the vehicle 10 faces away from the operator. One hand is placed on one or more sides 40, 42 or a back end (i.e., the end closest to the operator's body) of the vehicle 10. The end 104 of the rack gear 12 is then inserted through the aperture 72 in the axle support 58 at the back of the vehicle 10 such that the teeth 100 of the rack gear 12 mesh with the teeth 98 of the pinion gear 76. The end 104 of the rack gear 12 may be further extended through the aperture 74 in the axle support 58 of the front end 44, such that the handle 106 is positioned proximate the back end of the vehicle 10 and the end 104 of the rack gear 12 extends beyond the front end of the vehicle 10. The handle 106 of the rack gear 12 is then rapidly pulled back toward the operator's body, so as to cause the teeth 100 of the rack gear 12 to spin the pinion gear 76 and the disk 20 as the rack gear 12 is pulled out of the vehicle 10. When the rack gear 12 is pulled out of the vehicle 10, the operator releases his or her hand from the vehicle 10, and the spinning disk 20 propels the vehicle 10 away from the operator as soon as the operator releases his or her hold of the vehicle 10.

[0059] Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the vehicle 10 is operated without the rack gear 12, an operator simply uses his or her hand to propel the vehicle 10. Or as another alternative, an external motor or other rotating source may be used to cause rotation of the disk 20 and, thus, propel the vehicle 10.

[0060] With respect to each of the embodiments described above, one of ordinary skill will recognize that the aspects of the invention described above may be combined in a wide variety of embodiments not explicitly described above. Moreover, the vehicle 10, the rack gear 12, and/or the FIG. 36 may be designed and decorated to create a wide variety of appearances. One of ordinary skill will recognize almost limitless creative options for the design and decoration of the vehicle 10, the rack gear 12, and the FIG. 36.

[0061] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of specific embodiments thereof, and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A vehicle configured to operate on a support surface, the vehicle comprising: a platform having first and second sides and upper and lower surfaces; first and second wheels operatively coupled to the platform and disposed proximate the first side thereof, the first and second wheels each having a support surface contact patch, the contact patches lying in a first plane; and a disk rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the platform, the disk having first and second regions associated with respective first and second sides of the platform and an inner ring, the disk lying in a second plane disposed at an angle to the first plane, such that when the contact patches of the first and second wheels are in contact with the support surface the first region is further away from the support surface than the second region and the inner ring contacts the support surface.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the second region of the disk extends beyond the second side of the platform.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein when the disk rotates, the inner ring propels the vehicle on the support surface.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the disk further comprises an outer ring, wherein when the outer ring contacts the support surface, the vehicle is tilted such that the second side of the platform is disposed proximate the support surface.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein when the disk rotates, the outer ring propels the vehicle on the support surface.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: third and fourth wheels operatively coupled to the platform and disposed proximate the second side thereof, wherein when the inner ring contacts the support surface, the first and second wheels and the inner ring are configured to bear substantially all weight of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the platform lies substantially within a third plane disposed at an angle to the first plane.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the platform lies substantially within a third plane parallel to the first plane.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the disk has an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the second plane and tilted from vertical by approximately 1 to 45 degrees.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: a figure coupled to the upper surface of the platform.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the figure is removably coupled to the upper surface.

12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle resembles a skateboard.

13. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: a shell positioned over at least a portion of the upper surface of the platform.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the shell resembles one of a car or an insect.

15. A vehicle configured to operate on a support surface, the vehicle comprising: a platform having first and second sides and upper and lower surfaces; first and second wheels operatively coupled to the platform and disposed proximate the first side thereof, the first and second wheels each having a support surface contact patch, the contact patches lying in a first plane; and a disk rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the platform, the disk having first and second regions associated with respective first and second sides of the platform, a pinion gear configured to engage a rack gear to thereby rotate the disk when the rack gear is pulled, and an inner ring and an outer ring, the disk lying in a second plane disposed at an angle to the first plane, such that when the contact patches of the first and second wheels are in contact with the support surface the first region is further away from the support surface than the second region and the inner ring contacts the support surface.

16. An assembly comprising: a vehicle configured to operate on a support surface, the vehicle comprising: a platform having first and second sides and upper and lower surfaces; first and second wheels operatively coupled to the platform and disposed proximate the first side thereof, the first and second wheels each having a support surface contact patch, the contact patches lying in a first plane; a disk rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the platform, the disk having first and second regions associated with respective first and second sides of the platform and an inner ring and an outer ring, the disk lying in a second plane disposed at an angle to the first plane, such that when the contact patches of the first and second wheels are in contact with the support surface the first region is further away from the support surface than the second region and the inner ring contacts the support surface; a pinion gear coupled to the disk; and a rack gear configured to engage with the pinion gear to rotate the disk and inner ring to thereby propel the vehicle on the support surface.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the second region of the disk extends beyond the second side of the platform.

18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein when the outer ring contacts the support surface, the vehicle is tilted such that the second side of the platform is disposed proximate the support surface.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein when the disk rotates, the outer ring propels the vehicle on the support surface.

20. The assembly of claim 16, further comprising: third and fourth wheels operatively coupled to the platform and disposed proximate the second side thereof, wherein when the inner ring contacts the support surface, the first and second wheels and the inner ring are configured to bear substantially all weight of the vehicle.

21. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the platform lies substantially within a third plane disposed at an angle to the first plane.

22. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the platform lies substantially within a third plane parallel to the first plane.

23. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the disk has an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the second plane and tilted from vertical by approximately 1 to 45 degrees.