U.S. patent application number 14/765693 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for interchangeable vehicle system.
The applicant listed for this patent is AUTOMOBLOX COMPANY, LLC. Invention is credited to Patrick M. CALELLO, Lyndon TREACY.
Application Number | 20150367242 14/765693 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51300120 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150367242 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CALELLO; Patrick M. ; et
al. |
December 24, 2015 |
INTERCHANGEABLE VEHICLE SYSTEM
Abstract
A toy vehicle includes first, second, and third subassemblies.
The second and third subassemblies are each configured to be
selectively coupled to the first subassembly. A plurality of wheels
are configured to be coupled to the first subassembly.
Inventors: |
CALELLO; Patrick M.;
(Roseland, NJ) ; TREACY; Lyndon; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AUTOMOBLOX COMPANY, LLC |
Dover |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51300120 |
Appl. No.: |
14/765693 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
February 6, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US14/15014 |
371 Date: |
August 4, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61761379 |
Feb 6, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/465 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/05 20130101;
A63H 17/26 20130101; A63H 17/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 17/26 20060101
A63H017/26 |
Claims
1. A toy vehicle, comprising: a first subassembly; second and third
subassemblies each configured to be coupled selectively to the
first subassembly; and a plurality of wheels configured to be
coupled to the first subassembly.
2. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first subassembly
includes a release configured to disengage the second and third
subassemblies from the first subassembly.
3. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first subassembly is a
frame subassembly, the second subassembly is a cab subassembly, the
third subassembly is a bed subassembly, and each of the plurality
of wheels is configured to be selectively coupled to the frame
subassembly.
4. The toy vehicle of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of
wheels is coupled to a spindle of the frame subassembly that
includes at least one detent formed at an end thereof.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of wheels
defines a circumferential groove that is sized and configured to
receive a tread therein.
6. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first subassembly
includes a body formed from a first material; and an insert coupled
to the body, the insert formed from a second material that is
different from the first material.
7. The toy vehicle of claim 6, wherein the insert defines a cavity
that is sized and configured to receive a protrusion extending from
the third subassembly.
8. The toy vehicle of claim 7, wherein the insert includes a first
repositionable catch disposed within the cavity that is configured
to be moved in response to the release being repositioned.
9. The toy vehicle of claim 8, wherein the insert includes a
projection disposed at a distance from the cavity, the projection
including a second repositionable catch disposed along a length of
the projection and is configured to be moved in response to the
release being repositioned.
10. The toy vehicle of claim 9, wherein the projection is sized and
configured to be received within a cavity defined by the second
subassembly.
11. A toy vehicle, comprising: a first subassembly including a
release; second and third subassemblies each configured to be
coupled selectively to the first subassembly; and a plurality of
wheels configured to be coupled to the first subassembly, wherein
the release is configured to disengage the second and third
subassemblies from the first subassembly.
12. The toy vehicle of claim 11, wherein the insert defines a
cavity that is sized and configured to receive a protrusion
extending from the third subassembly.
13. The toy vehicle of claim 12, wherein the insert includes a
first repositionable catch disposed within the cavity that is
configured to be moved in response to the release being
repositioned.
14. The toy vehicle of claim 13, wherein the insert includes a
projection disposed at a distance from the cavity, the projection
including a second repositionable catch disposed along a length of
the projection and is configured to be moved in response to the
release being repositioned.
15. A toy vehicle, comprising: a frame subassembly including a body
formed from a first material, and an insert coupled to the body,
the insert formed from a second material that is different from the
first material; a cab subassembly of a first type configured to be
coupled to the frame subassembly; a bed subassembly of a first type
configured to be coupled to the frame subassembly; and a plurality
of wheels configured to be coupled to the frame subassembly,
wherein the release is configured to disengage the cab subassembly
of the first type and the bed subassembly of the first type from
the frame subassembly.
16. The toy vehicle of claim 15, wherein the frame subassembly is
configured to be coupled to a cab assembly of a second type and a
bed subassembly of a second type.
17. The toy vehicle of claim 15, wherein the frame subassembly is
configured to be coupled simultaneously to a cab assembly of a
second type and to a bed assembly of a third type that is different
from the second type.
18. The toy vehicle of claim 15, wherein the insert defines a
cavity that is sized and configured to receive a protrusion
extending from the bed subassembly.
19. The toy vehicle of claim 18, wherein the insert includes a
first repositionable catch disposed within the cavity that is
configured to be moved in response to the release being
repositioned.
20. The toy vehicle of claim 19, wherein the insert includes a
projection disposed at a distance from the cavity, the projection
sized and configured to be received within a recess defined by the
cab subassembly and including a second repositionable catch
disposed along a length of the projection, the second
repositionable catch configured to be moved in response to the
release being repositioned.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/761,379, filed Feb. 6, 2013, the entirety of
which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many types of toys are sold commercially ranging from
building blocks to video games. Among this great number of toy
types are toy vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Conventionally, toy vehicles take the form of single construct that
does not enable a child to use his or her creativity. For example,
while a toy vehicle may be an accurate scale model of an actual
vehicle that includes moving parts such as doors, steering wheel,
and wheels, a child does not have the ability to customize the
vehicle. Consequently, these conventional toy vehicles do not
encourage a child to be creative and customize the vehicle, which
limits its entertainment value and can reduce the amount of time a
child actually plays with the vehicle.
SUMMARY
[0003] In some embodiments, a toy vehicle includes first, second,
and third subassemblies. The first subassembly including a release,
and the second and third subassemblies are each configured to be
coupled selectively to the first subassembly. A plurality of wheels
are configured to be coupled to the first subassembly, and the
release is configured to disengage the second and third
subassemblies from the first subassembly.
[0004] In some embodiments, a toy vehicle includes a first
subassembly having a body and an insert coupled to the body. The
body is formed from a first material, and the insert is formed from
a second material that is different from the first material. Second
and third subassemblies are each configured to be coupled
selectively to the first subassembly, and a plurality of wheels are
configured to be coupled to the first subassembly. The release is
configured to disengage the second and third subassemblies from the
first subassembly.
[0005] A toy vehicle includes a frame subassembly having a body and
an insert coupled to the body. The body is formed from a first
material, and the insert is formed from a second material that is
different from the first material. A cab subassembly of a first
type is configured to be coupled to the frame subassembly, and a
bed subassembly of a first type is configured to be coupled to the
frame subassembly. A plurality of wheels are configured to be
coupled to the frame subassembly. The release is configured to
disengage the cab subassembly of the first type and the bed
subassembly of the first type from the frame subassembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one example of a toy vehicle
in accordance with some embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of another example of
a toy vehicle in accordance with some embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view from above of a frame
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0009] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the frame subassembly
taken along line 3A-3A in FIG. 3 with the axles having been removed
for ease of reference.
[0010] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the frame subassembly
shown in FIG. 3A with a portion of the insert having been
removed.
[0011] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the frame subassembly
shown in FIG. 3B with another portion of the insert having been
removed such that the handle portion of the insert is shown.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view from below of a frame
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view from below of a bed
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view from above of a roof
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view from above of a cab
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view from below of a cab
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective view of another example of
a toy vehicle in accordance with some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 10 is an elevated perspective view from above of a
frame subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 9.
[0019] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the frame subassembly
taken along line 10A-10A in FIG. 10 with the axles having been
removed for ease of reference.
[0020] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the frame subassembly
shown in FIG. 10A with a portion of the insert having been
removed.
[0021] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the frame subassembly
shown in FIG. 10B with another portion of the insert having been
removed such that the handle portion of the insert is shown.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view from below of a frame
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
9.
[0023] FIG. 12 is an elevated perspective view from above of a bed
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
9.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view from below of a bed
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
9.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an elevated perspective view from above of a roof
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
9.
[0026] FIG. 15 is an elevated perspective view from above of a cab
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
9.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view from below of a cab
subassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] It should be understood that the following detailed
description of embodiments are exemplary in nature and are not
intended to constitute limitations upon the present invention. It
is also to be understood that variations of the exemplary
embodiments contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art shall
concurrently fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0029] The disclosed toy vehicle system and components
advantageously enable a user to reconfigure a vehicle and combine
parts of a vehicle of a first type, such as a cab subassembly of a
fire truck, with parts of a vehicle of a second type, such as a bed
subassembly from an ambulance. The ability to create and customize
the toy vehicles provides a learning experience for the user,
inspires creativity, and extends the length of time with which such
toy vehicles are played.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a toy vehicle 100 in
accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, toy vehicle
100 is fabricated predominantly from wood or a material resembling
wood such as, without limitation, bamboo. In this exemplary
embodiment, the vehicle 100 in its current state comprises a
commercial flatbed truck. But, as will be discussed hereafter, this
vehicle 100 may be reconfigured to include different subassemblies
to create a dump truck. Although the vehicles are described below
as being formed from multiple materials, one of ordinary skill in
the art will understand that the vehicles can be formed using a
single material.
[0031] In exemplary form, the vehicle 100 includes a plurality of
subassemblies. Specifically, the vehicle 100 includes a frame
subassembly 110 comprising a wood body 112 having been at least
partially hollowed to receive a plastic insert 114. The plastic
insert 114 may be adhered to the wood body 112 using any number of
approaches including, without limitation, adhesive, compression
fitting, nails, and screws. The plastic insert 114 includes at
least one connector 116 that may be one or more cavities adapted to
receive one or more specifically configured projections or may be
one or more specifically configured projections to be received
within one or more specifically shaped depressions. More
specifically, the connector 116 is configured to allow one of a
plurality of bed subassemblies 118 to engage the insert 114 and be
coupled to the insert until the child wants to exchange one bed
subassembly for another. In this exemplary embodiment, the
connector 116 comprises two different sized rectangular cavities.
In order to ensure the bed subassembly 118 is properly aligned with
respect to the frame subassembly 110, the bed subassembly 118
includes two projections 120 that can only be received within the
connector 116 in a single configuration while being engaged in a
snap-fit with the frame subassembly. In this exemplary embodiment,
the bed subassembly 118 comprises a flat bed of a commercial
truck.
[0032] The frame subassembly 110 also includes at least two axles
122, 124 mounted thereto. In this exemplary embodiment, the vehicle
includes two axles. Nevertheless, a vehicle could include any
number of axles. Each axle 122, 124 has a block U-shape with a pair
of spindles 128 extending from both ends. The block U-shape of each
axle 122, 124 is configured to receive a portion of the frame
subassembly 110, in this case the wood body 112, in order to mount
the axles to the frame subassembly. Each axle 122, 124 is
fabricated from plastic and may be adhered to the wood body 112
using any number of approaches including, without limitation,
adhesive, compression fitting, nails, and screws. Each spindle 128
includes a pair of semi-circle detents 130 that cooperate to
provide a round camming surface against which a corresponding wheel
134, 136 rotates. The space between the detents 130 allows the
detents to be compressed toward one another to allow the wheels
134, 136 to be dismounted from the spindles 128. In some
embodiments, each wheel 134, 136 includes a designer wheel pattern
or tread 146 and a circumferential groove 142 adapted to receive a
removable tire tread 146. In this exemplary embodiment, the front
wheels 134 include a width sized to allow a single front tire tread
146, while the rear wheels 136 are wider and sized to allow dual
tire treads 146. As will be discussed in more detail hereafter, the
tire treads 146 are adapted to be removable from the wheels 134,
136 and may take on any number of colors. By way of example, it is
envisioned that an original vehicle 100 will include tire treads
146 that are all the same color and this same color matches the
transparent plastic parts of the vehicle.
[0033] In this exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a
roof subassembly 150 comprising a transparent red plastic top
representing the portion of the vehicle visible through a
windshield, side windows, and rear window.
[0034] In addition to the roof subassembly, the vehicle 100
includes a cab subassembly 180. This cab subassembly 180 includes a
wood body 182 having been at least partially hollowed to receive
one or more ornamental components. For example, these ornamental
components can include, but are not limited to, side fenders 184, a
grill 186, and exhaust stacks 188. In some embodiments, front
fenders can include a combination of materials, such as wood and
plastic, wood and metal, or metal and plastic, to list only a few
possibilities. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, the wood body 182 is at least partially
hollowed to receive a plastic insert (not shown). The plastic
insert may be adhered to the wood body using any number of
approaches including, without limitation, adhesive, compression
fitting, nails, and screws. As described in greater detail below,
the plastic insert includes at least one connector (not shown) that
may be one or more cavities adapted to receive one or more
specifically configured projections or may be one or more
specifically configured projections to be received within one or
more specifically shaped depressions. More specifically, the
connector is configured to allow one of a plurality of cab
subassemblies 180 to engage the insert and be coupled to the insert
until the child wants to exchange one cab subassembly for another.
In some embodiments, the connector comprises a single rectangular
cavity adapted to receive a rectangular projection (not shown in
FIG. 1) of the frame subassembly 110. In order to ensure the cab
subassembly is properly aligned with respect to the frame
subassembly, the connector is configured to engage and stay coupled
to the projection of the frame assembly in a single orientation. In
this exemplary embodiment, the cab subassembly 182 comprises a
regular cab of a commercial truck.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2-8, a second exemplary embodiment of the
instant disclosure comprises a children's toy vehicle 200
predominantly fabricated from wood or a material resembling wood
such as, without limitation, bamboo. In this exemplary embodiment,
the vehicle 200 in its current state comprises a commercial dump
truck. But, as will be discussed hereafter, this vehicle 200 may be
reconfigured to include different subassemblies to create a flatbed
truck. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that that
other types of vehicles having a plurality of subassemblies can be
fabricated in accordance with the present disclosure. For example,
the vehicle can be a specific type of truck (e.g., flatbed truck,
dump truck, cement truck, or fire truck, oil tanker, car
transporter, Formula 1 race trailer, dual box cargo hauler, cargo
hauler, logger, tandem axle cargo hauler, tow truck, stake body
truck, box truck, fuel truck, or flatbed car hauler, to list a few
possibilities), or the vehicle could be a car, plane, motorcycle,
helicopter, or boat, to provide only a few examples. Further, these
vehicles can be configured to be coupled to other components such
as, for example, a trailer using one of a variety of connection
mechanisms, e.g., clipping, clamping, magnets, friction fit,
VELCRO.RTM., or other suitable mechanism.
[0036] In exemplary form, the vehicle 200 includes a plurality of
subassemblies. Specifically, the vehicle 200 includes a frame
subassembly 210 comprising a wood body 212 having been at least
partially hollowed to receive a plastic insert 214. In this
exemplary embodiment, the frame subassembly 210 has been lengthened
as compared to the frame subassembly 110 of the first exemplary
vehicle 100 to accommodate dual rear axles. The plastic insert 214
may be adhered to the wood body 212 using any number of approaches
including, without limitation, adhesive, compression fitting,
nails, and screws. The plastic insert 214 includes at least one
connector 216 that may be one or more cavities adapted to receive
one or more specifically configured projections or may be one or
more specifically configured projections to be received within one
or more specifically shaped depressions. More specifically, the
connector 216 is configured to allow one of a plurality of bed
subassemblies 218 to engage the insert 214 and be coupled to the
insert until the child wants to exchange one bed subassembly for
another. In this exemplary embodiment, the connector 216 comprises
two different sized rectangular cavities 216A, 216B. In order to
ensure the bed subassembly 218 is properly aligned with respect to
the frame subassembly 210, the bed subassembly 218 includes two
projections 220A, 220B (FIG. 5) that can only be received within
the connector 216 in a single configuration while begin engaged in
a snap-fit with the frame subassembly. Specifically, the second
projection 220B includes a recessed flange 260 (FIG. 5) that is
adapted to engage a repositionable catch 262 located on the
interior of the second cavity 216B as best seen in FIG. 3 and
described in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C.
[0037] In some embodiments, the repositionable catches 262 and 296
are spring loaded in a default position to provide that the
repositionable catches 262, 296 engage respective flanges 260, 294
to maintain connections between the bed subassembly 218 and the
frame subassembly 210 and between the cab subassembly 280 and the
frame subassembly 210. At the rear of the frame subassembly 210 is
a handle 266 (FIGS. 3A-4) that is repositionable away from the
front of the frame subassembly and operative to pull the
repositionable catches 262, 296 out of engagement of flanges 260,
294 in order to allow for the respective removal of the bed
subassembly 218 from the frame subassembly 210 and the cab
subassembly 280 and the frame subassembly 210. In this exemplary
embodiment, the bed subassembly 218 comprises a dump bed 270 of a
commercial truck that includes a swinging tailgate 272 as shown in
FIG. 5.
[0038] One example of a connection mechanism is now described in
greater detail with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C. Referring first to
FIG. 3A, body 212 is shown being coupled to insert 214. Connector
216, including openings 216A and 216B are visible as is
repositionable catch 262. In some embodiments, opening 216A is
configured to receive another repositionable catch 263 for further
securing bed subassembly 218 to frame subassembly 210. Releasable
catch 296 is shown extending from a front surface of projection
298, which is illustrated as having the external look of an engine.
A spring 265 is disposed within a cavity 267 defined by base
portion 215 of insert 214, which is coupled to body 212, and a
handle portion 267 of insert 214 that is configured to move
relative to base portion 215 of insert 214. In some embodiments,
spring 265 is a compression spring configured to urge handle
portion 267 of insert 214 in a frontward direction relative to base
portion 215 of insert 214. A user can pull handle portion 267 of
insert 214 in a rearward direction by manipulating handle 266 to
disengage one or more subassemblies (e.g., cab subassembly 280 and
bed subassembly 218 from frame subassembly 210.
[0039] As best seen in FIGS. 3B and 3C, catches 262, 263, and 296
each include a respective angled face 262A, 263A, 296A. These
angled faces 262A, 263A, 296A facilitate the insertion and
engagement of the bed and cab subassemblies 218, 280 to frame
subassembly 210. For example, when the bed 218 is inserted to
connector 216, i.e., into cavities 216A, 216B, the projections
220A, 220B contact angled faces 262A, 263A causing handle portion
267 of insert 214 to move in a rearward direction with respect to
base portion 215 of insert 214. When angled faces 262A, 263A are
aligned with the recessed flanges 260 (note that a recessed flange
is now shown as being defined by projection 220A, but is provided
in some embodiments), the handle portion 267 is urged in a forward
direction by spring 265 such that repositionable catches 262, 263
are received within flanges 260. Repositionable catch 296 and its
angled face 296A operates in a similar fashion to the
repositionable catches 262, 263 and their respective angled faces
262A, 263A described above. Other connection mechanisms can be used
other to connect the subassemblies other than those described
above. For example, in some embodiments the subassemblies are
coupled together using magnets, a friction fit, snaps, bayonet
connections, and/or VELCRO.RTM. between the subassemblies. In such
embodiments, other release mechanisms can be implemented to
disengage the subassemblies from one another. For example, a lever,
screw, or other release mechanism can be implemented to disengage
the subassemblies from one another.
[0040] Turning now to FIG. 4, the frame subassembly 210 also
includes one front and two rear axles 122, 124 mounted thereto.
Nevertheless, a vehicle could include any number of axles as will
be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Each axle 122,
124 includes a block U-shape with a pair of spindles 128 extending
from both ends. The block U-shape of each axle 122, 124 is
configured to receive a portion of the frame subassembly 210, in
this case the wood body 212, in order to mount the axles to the
frame subassembly. Each axle 122, 124 is fabricated from plastic
and may be adhered to the wood body 212 using any number of
approaches including, without limitation, adhesive, compression
fitting, nails, and screws. Each spindle 128 includes a pair of
semi-circle detents 130 that cooperate to provide a round camming
surface against which a corresponding wheel 134, 136 rotates. The
space between the detents 130 allows the detents to be compressed
toward one another to allow the wheels 134, 136 to be dismounted
from the spindles 128. In exemplary form, each wheel 134, 136
comprises a designer wheel pattern and an outer circumferential
groove adapted to receive a removable tire tread 146 (FIG. 2). In
this exemplary embodiment, the front wheels 134 include a width
sized to allow a single front tire tread 146, while the rear wheels
136 are wider and sized to allow dual tire treads 146 or a single
tire tread having a dual width. As will be discussed in more detail
hereafter, the tire treads 146 are adapted to be removable from the
wheels 134, 136 and may take on any number of colors. By way of
example, it is envisioned that the original vehicle 200 will
include tire treads 146 that are all the same color and this same
color matches the transparent plastic parts of the vehicle.
[0041] In this exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a
roof subassembly 150 shown in FIG. 6 comprising a transparent red
plastic top representing the portion of the vehicle visible through
a windshield 152, side windows 154, rear window, and roof 156. The
roof subassembly is removably coupled to a cab subassembly 280 as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0042] As best seen in FIG. 7, the cab subassembly 280 includes a
wood body 282 having been at least partially hollowed to receive
one or more trim pieces. In this exemplary embodiment, the trim
pieces include side fenders 284, a grill 286, and side gas tanks
288. As shown in FIG. 8, the wood body is at least partially
hollowed to receive a plastic insert 290. The plastic insert 290
may be adhered to the wood body 282 using any number of approaches
including, without limitation, adhesive, compression fitting,
nails, and screws. The plastic insert 290 includes at least one
connector 292 that may be one or more cavities adapted to receive
one or more specifically configured projections or may be one or
more specifically configured projections to be received within one
or more specifically shaped depressions.
[0043] Still referring to FIG. 8, in this exemplary embodiment, the
connector 292 comprises a rectangular cavity that is configured to
receive a projection 298 associated with the frame subassembly 210
(FIGS. 3-3C) to allow one of a plurality of cab subassemblies 280
to be coupled to the frame subassembly until the child wants to
exchange one cab subassembly for another as described above. In
order to ensure the cab subassembly 280 is properly aligned with
respect to the frame subassembly 210, in some embodiments, the
projection 298 can only be received by the connector 292 and
coupled to the cab subassembly in a single orientation.
Specifically and referring again to FIG. 8, the connector 292
includes a recessed flange 294 that is adapted to engage a
repositionable catch 296 associated with the projection 298 as best
seen in FIGS. 3-3C. As noted above, the repositionable catch 296 is
spring loaded in a default position to provide that the
repositionable catch engages the flange 294 and maintains a
connection between the cab subassembly 280 and the frame
subassembly 210. The handle 266 at the rear of the frame
subassembly 210 may be repositioned away from the front of the
frame subassembly and operative to pull the repositionable catch
296 out of the line of travel of the flange 294 (FIG. 8) in order
to allow for removal of the cab subassembly 280 from the frame
subassembly 210. In this exemplary embodiment, the cab subassembly
280 comprises a dump truck cab.
[0044] The axles 122, 124 and wheels 134, 136 described with
respect to FIGS. 2-8 have been described as being the same as the
axles 122, 124 and wheels 134, 136 described with respect to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the size and
shape of the tire treads 146 are the same, but in this exemplary
embodiment the tire treads 146 are blue to match the color of the
blue parts (e.g., the roof subassembly 150 and the plastic trim
pieces) of the vehicle 200 that may be transparent.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 9-16, a third exemplary embodiment of
a children's toy vehicle 300 in the form of a fire truck is
described. In some embodiments, vehicle 300 is predominantly
fabricated from wood or a material resembling wood such as, without
limitation, bamboo. Although FIGS. 9-16 are described with
reference to a fire struck, one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that vehicle 300 may be reconfigured to include
different subassemblies to create a different truck.
[0046] In exemplary form, the vehicle 300 includes a plurality of
subassemblies. For example, vehicle 300 includes a frame
subassembly 310 illustrated in FIG. 10 comprising a wood body 312
having been at least partially hollowed to receive a plastic insert
314. In this exemplary embodiment, the frame subassembly 310 is the
same size as the first exemplary frame subassembly 110 and shorter
than the second frame subassembly 210. The plastic insert 314 may
be adhered to the wood body 312 using any number of approaches
including, without limitation, adhesive, compression fitting,
nails, and screws. The plastic insert 314 includes at least one
connector 316 that may be one or more cavities adapted to receive
one or more specifically configured projections or may be one or
more specifically configured projections to be received within one
or more specifically shaped depressions. More specifically, the
connector 316 is configured to allow one of a plurality of bed
subassemblies 318 to engage the insert 314 and be coupled to the
insert until the child wants to exchange one bed subassembly for
another. In this exemplary embodiment, the connector 316 comprises
two differently sized rectangular cavities 316A, 316B. Although
cavities 316A, 316B are described as being rectangular, one of
ordinary skill in the art will understand that cavities 316A, 316B
can take the form of other geometric shapes such as, for example,
square, circular, triangular, pentagonal, and hexagonal, to list
only a few possibilities. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art
will understand that cavities 316A, 316B can be differently shaped
from one another.
[0047] The connection mechanism is now described in greater detail
with reference to FIGS. 10A-10C. Referring first to FIG. 10A, body
312 is shown being coupled to insert 314. Connector 316, including
openings 316A and 316B are visible as is repositionable catch 362.
Releasable catch 396 is shown extending from a front surface of
projection 398. A spring (not shown) can be disposed within a
cavity defined by base portion 315 of insert 314, which is coupled
to body 312, and a handle portion 367 of insert 314 that is
configured to move relative to base portion 315 of insert 314. In
some embodiments, the spring is a compression spring configured to
urge handle portion 367 of insert 314 in a frontward direction
relative to base portion 315 of insert 314 in a similar manner as
described above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
2-8. A user can pull handle portion 367 of insert 314 in a rearward
direction by manipulating handle 366 to disengage one or more
subassemblies (e.g., cab subassembly 380 and bed subassembly 318
from frame subassembly 310.
[0048] As best seen in FIGS. 10B and 10C, catches 396 and 396 each
include a respective angled face 362A and 396A. These angled faces
362A, 396A facilitate the insertion and engagement of the bed and
cab subassemblies 318, 380 to frame subassembly 310. For example,
when the bed 318 is inserted to connector 316, i.e., into cavities
316A, 316B, the projection 320B contacts angled face 362A causing
handle portion 367 of insert 314 to move in a rearward direction
with respect to base portion 315 of insert 314. When angled face
362A is aligned with the recessed flange 360, the handle portion
367 is urged in a forward direction by the spring such that
repositionable catch 362 is received within flange 360.
Repositionable catch 396 and its angled face 396A operates in a
similar fashion to the repositionable catch 362 and angled face
362A described above.
[0049] In order to ensure the bed subassembly 318 is properly
aligned with respect to the frame subassembly 310, the bed
subassembly 318 includes two projections 320A, 320B (best seen in
FIG. 318) that can only be received within the rectangular cavities
316A, 316B of frame subassembly in a single configuration while
begin engaged in a snap-fit with the frame subassembly. For
example, the second projection 320B includes a recessed flange (not
shown) that is adapted to engage a repositionable catch 362 (FIG.
10) located on the interior of the second cavity 316B. More
specifically and still referring to FIG. 10, the repositionable
catch 362 is spring loaded in a default position to provide that
the repositionable catch engages the flange and maintains a
connection between the bed subassembly 318 and the frame
subassembly 310. As best seen in FIG. 11, at the rear of the frame
subassembly 310 is a handle 366 that is repositionable away from
the front of the frame subassembly and operative to pull the
repositionable catch 362 out of the line of travel of the flange in
order to allow for removal of the bed subassembly 318 from the
frame subassembly 310. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 12, the bed subassembly 318 comprises a fire engine bed 370 of
a fire truck that includes side ladders 372 and a rear step
platform 374.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 11, the frame subassembly 310 also
includes one front and one rear axles 122, 124 mounted thereto.
Nevertheless, a vehicle could include any number of axles. Each
axle 122, 124 includes a block U-shape with a pair of spindles 128
extending from both ends. The block U-shape of each axle 122, 124
is configured to receive a portion of the frame subassembly 210, in
this case the wood body 212, in order to mount the axles to the
frame subassembly. Each axle 122, 124 is fabricated from plastic
and may be adhered to the wood body 312 using any number of
approaches including, without limitation, adhesive, compression
fitting, nails, and screws. Each spindle 128 includes a pair of
semi-circle detents 130 that cooperate to provide a round camming
surface against which a corresponding wheel 134, 136 rotates. The
space between the detents 130 allows the detents to be compressed
toward one another to allow the wheels 134, 136 to be dismounted
from the spindles 128. In exemplary form, each wheel 134, 136
comprises a designer wheel pattern and an outer circumferential
groove adapted to receive a removable tire tread 146. In this
exemplary embodiment, the front wheels 134 include a width sized to
allow a single front tire tread 146 (FIG. 9), while the rear wheels
136 are wider and sized to allow dual tire treads 146 or a single
tire tread having a dual width. As will be discussed in more detail
hereafter, the tire treads 146 are adapted to be removable from the
wheels 134, 136 and may take on any number of colors. By way of
example, it is envisioned that the original vehicle 300 will
include tire treads 146 that are all the same color and this same
color matches the transparent plastic parts of the vehicle.
[0051] As best seen in FIG. 14, roof subassembly 350 of vehicle 300
comprising a transparent red plastic top representing the portion
of the vehicle visible through a windshield 352, side windows 354,
rear window (not shown), roof 356, and light bar 358. The roof
subassembly 350 is removably coupled to a cab subassembly 380.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 15, the cab subassembly 380 includes a
wood body 382 having been at least partially hollowed to receive
one or more trim pieces. In this exemplary embodiment, the trim
pieces include side fenders 384, a grill 386, and a cab extension
388. As best seen in FIG. 16, the wood body 382 is at least
partially hollowed to receive a plastic insert 390. The plastic
insert 390 may be adhered to the wood body 382 using any number of
approaches including, without limitation, adhesive, compression
fitting, nails, and screws. The plastic insert 390 includes at
least one connector 392 that may be one or more cavities adapted to
receive one or more specifically configured projections or may be
one or more specifically configured projections to be received
within one or more specifically shaped depressions.
[0053] In this exemplary embodiment, the connector 392 comprises a
rectangular cavity that is configured to receive a projection 398
associated with the frame subassembly 310 (FIG. 10) to allow one of
a plurality of cab subassemblies 180, 280, 380 to be coupled to the
frame subassembly until a child wants to exchange one cab
subassembly for another. In order to ensure the cab subassembly 380
is properly aligned with respect to the frame subassembly 310, the
projection 398 (FIG. 10) only can be received by the connector 392
(FIG. 16) and coupled to the cab subassembly in a single
orientation. More particularly and referring to FIG. 16, connector
392 includes a recessed flange 394 that is adapted to engage a
repositionable catch 396 associated with the projection 398 as best
seen in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the repositionable catch 396
illustrated in FIG. 10 is spring loaded in a default position to
provide that the repositionable catch engages the flange 394 shown
in FIG. 16 and maintains a connection between the cab subassembly
380 and the frame subassembly 310. The handle 366 at the rear of
the frame subassembly 310 and best seen in FIG. 11 may be
repositioned away from the front of the frame subassembly and
operative to pull the repositionable catch 396 out of the line of
travel of the flange 394 in order to allow for removal of the cab
subassembly 380 from the frame subassembly 310. In this exemplary
embodiment, the cab subassembly 380 comprises a fire truck cab.
[0054] Axles 122, 124 and wheels 134, 136 described with respect to
FIGS. 9-16 are the same as the axles 122, 124 and wheels 134, 136
described above with respect to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the
size and shape of the tire treads 146 may be the same or different,
but in this exemplary embodiment the tire treads 146 are red to
match the color of the red parts (e.g., the roof subassembly 350
and the plastic trim pieces) of the vehicle 300 that may be
transparent.
[0055] It will be understood from the foregoing description the cab
subassemblies 180, 280, 380 are interchangeable with one another
and may be mounted to any one of the frame subassemblies 110, 210,
310. In addition, the roof subassemblies 150, 350 are
interchangeable with one another and may be mounted to any one of
the cab subassemblies 180, 280, 380. Moreover, the bed
subassemblies 118, 218, 318 are generally interchangeable with one
another and mountable to any frame subassembly 110, 210, 310 so
long as axles do not interfere with engagement between the bed
subassembly and the frame subassembly.
[0056] In some embodiments, a toy vehicle includes a plurality of
subassemblies including a first subassembly, a second subassembly,
and a third subassembly. The second and third subassemblies are
each configured to be selectively coupled to the first subassembly,
and a plurality of wheels are configured to be coupled to the first
subassembly. The release is configured to disengage the second and
third subassemblies from the first subassembly.
[0057] In some embodiments, the first subassembly includes a
release configured to disengage the second and third subassemblies
from the first subassembly.
[0058] In some embodiments, the first subassembly is a frame
subassembly, the second subassembly is a cab subassembly, the third
subassembly is a bed subassembly, and each of the plurality of
wheels is configured to be selectively coupled to the frame
subassembly.
[0059] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of wheels is
coupled to a spindle of the frame subassembly that includes at
least one detent formed at an end thereof.
[0060] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of wheels defines
a circumferential groove that is sized and configured to receive a
tread therein.
[0061] In some embodiments, the first subassembly includes a body
formed from a first material and an insert coupled to the body. The
insert is formed from a second material that is different from the
first material.
[0062] In some embodiments, the insert defines a cavity that is
sized and configured to receive a protrusion extending from the
third subassembly.
[0063] In some embodiments, the insert includes a first
repositionable catch disposed within the cavity that is configured
to be moved in response to the release being repositioned.
[0064] In some embodiments, the insert includes a projection
disposed at a distance from the cavity. The projection includes a
second repositionable catch disposed along a length of the
projection and is configured to be moved in response to the release
being repositioned.
[0065] In some embodiments, the projection is sized and configured
to be received within a cavity defined by the second
subassembly.
[0066] In some embodiments, a toy vehicle includes a first
subassembly having a body and an insert coupled to the body. The
body is formed from a first material, and the insert is formed from
a second material that is different from the first material. A
second subassembly and a third subassembly are each configured to
be coupled selectively to the first subassembly, and a plurality of
wheels configured to be coupled to the first subassembly. The
release is configured to disengage the second and third
subassemblies from the first subassembly.
[0067] In some embodiments, the insert defines a cavity that is
sized and configured to receive a protrusion extending from the
third subassembly.
[0068] In some embodiments, the insert includes a first
repositionable catch disposed within the cavity that is configured
to be moved in response to the release being repositioned.
[0069] In some embodiments, the insert includes a projection
disposed at a distance from the cavity. The projection includes a
second repositionable catch disposed along a length of the
projection that is configured to be moved in response to the
release being repositioned.
[0070] In some embodiments, a toy vehicle includes a frame
subassembly, a cab subassembly of a first type, and a bed
subassembly of a first type. The frame subassembly includes a body
and an insert coupled to the body. The body is formed from a first
material, and the insert is formed from a second material that is
different from the first material. The cab subassembly of the first
type is configured to be coupled to the frame subassembly, and the
bed subassembly of the first type is configured to be coupled to
the frame subassembly. A plurality of wheels are configured to be
coupled to the frame subassembly. The release is configured to
disengage the cab subassembly of the first type and the bed
subassembly of the first type from the frame subassembly.
[0071] In some embodiments, the frame subassembly is configured to
be coupled to a cab assembly of a second type and a bed subassembly
of a second type.
[0072] In some embodiments, the frame subassembly is configured to
be coupled simultaneously to a cab assembly of a second type and to
a bed assembly of a third type that is different from the second
type.
[0073] In some embodiments, the insert defines a cavity that is
sized and configured to receive a protrusion extending from the bed
subassembly.
[0074] In some embodiments, the insert includes a first
repositionable catch disposed within the cavity that is configured
to be moved in response to the release being repositioned.
[0075] In some embodiments, the insert includes a projection
disposed at a distance from the cavity. The projection is sized and
configured to be received within a recess defined by the cab
subassembly and includes a second repositionable catch disposed
along a length of the projection. The second repositionable catch
is configured to be moved in response to the release being
repositioned.
[0076] Each of the foregoing exemplary embodiments may be
fabricated from numerous materials including, without limitation,
plastics, wood, wood substitutes, metals, ceramics, and composites.
While the foregoing embodiments have been described as having
certain components that are plastic or fabricated from other
materials, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
arts that each of the foregoing embodiments may be crafted from any
number of materials and the same part may be fabricated in multiple
variations using different materials.
[0077] Although the disclosed systems and methods have been
described in terms of exemplary embodiments, they are not limited
thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly,
to include other variants and embodiments of the systems and
methods, which may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the systems
and methods.
* * * * *