U.S. patent application number 12/662262 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-21 for stunt figure for attaching with a mobile toy to allow for performance of a stunt.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michael Bernstein, Gabriel Carlson, Steve DeLacy, Dominic Laurienzo, Greg Leong, Jim McCafferty. Invention is credited to Michael Bernstein, Gabriel Carlson, Steve DeLacy, Dominic Laurienzo, Greg Leong, Jim McCafferty.
Application Number | 20170266573 12/662262 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43412937 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170266573 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
McCafferty; Jim ; et
al. |
September 21, 2017 |
Stunt figure for attaching with a mobile toy to allow for
performance of a stunt
Abstract
A mobile toy and a stunt figure attachable with the mobile toy
are described. In a desired aspect, the mobile toy is a
skateboard-shaped toy having a skateboard deck with a flywheel
positioned within the skateboard deck. The stunt figure is
detachably attachable with the skateboard-shaped toy through
snap-fit connection mechanisms on the skateboard-shaped toy. In a
desired aspect, the stunt figure comprises at least one appendage
and the stunt figure is attached with the skateboard-shaped toy
through at least one appendage. The stunt figure can be formed in a
variety of shapes to alter the form and center of gravity of the
toy to provide for a variety of stunts.
Inventors: |
McCafferty; Jim; (Santa Ana,
CA) ; Laurienzo; Dominic; (Los Angeles, CA) ;
Bernstein; Michael; (Hermosa Beach, CA) ; Carlson;
Gabriel; (Los Angeles, CA) ; Leong; Greg;
(Irvine, CA) ; DeLacy; Steve; (Santa Ana,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McCafferty; Jim
Laurienzo; Dominic
Bernstein; Michael
Carlson; Gabriel
Leong; Greg
DeLacy; Steve |
Santa Ana
Los Angeles
Hermosa Beach
Los Angeles
Irvine
Santa Ana |
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20110003532 A1 |
January 6, 2011 |
|
|
Family ID: |
43412937 |
Appl. No.: |
12/662262 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12660238 |
Feb 22, 2010 |
8562386 |
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12662262 |
|
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|
|
12587625 |
Oct 10, 2009 |
8579674 |
|
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12660238 |
|
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|
61208169 |
Feb 21, 2009 |
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61214226 |
Apr 21, 2009 |
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61195812 |
Oct 10, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/25 20130101;
A63H 29/20 20130101; A63H 11/00 20130101; A63H 7/04 20130101; A63H
17/004 20130101; A63H 17/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 29/22 20060101
A63H029/22 |
Claims
1. A mobile toy, comprising: a skateboard-shaped toy having a
skateboard deck with a flywheel positioned within the skateboard
deck; and a stunt figure for attaching with the skateboard-shaped
toy.
2. The mobile toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the stunt figure
is detachably attachable with the skateboard-shaped toy.
3. The mobile toy as set forth in claim 2, wherein the stunt figure
is detachably attachable with the skateboard-shaped toy via a
connection mechanism.
4. The mobile toy as set forth in claim 3, wherein the connection
mechanism is a snap-fit mechanism.
5. The mobile toy as set forth in claim 4, wherein the stunt figure
comprises at least one appendage, and wherein the stunt figure is
attached with the skateboard-shaped toy via the at least one
appendage.
6. The mobile toy as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
skateboard-shaped toy further comprises a frame attached with the
skateboard deck and at least one channel in the frame for receiving
at least a portion of the at least one appendage of the stunt
figure.
7. The mobile toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the stunt figure
comprises at least one appendage, and wherein the stunt figure is
attached with the skateboard-shaped toy via the at least one
appendage.
8. The mobile toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
skateboard-shaped toy further comprises a frame and at least one
channel in the frame for receiving at least a portion of the stunt
figure.
9. A method for forming a mobile toy, comprising acts of: forming a
skateboard-shaped toy having a skateboard deck with a flywheel
positioned within the skateboard deck; and forming a stunt figure
for attaching with the skateboard-shaped toy.
10. The method for forming the mobile toy as set forth in claim 9,
further comprising an act of forming the stunt figure to be
detachably attachable with the skateboard-shaped toy.
11. The method for forming the mobile toy as set forth in claim 10,
further comprising an act of forming the stunt figure to be
detachably attachable with the skateboard-shaped toy via a
connection mechanism.
12. The method for forming the mobile toy as set forth in claim 11,
further comprising an act of forming the connection mechanism as a
snap-fit mechanism.
13. The method for forming the mobile toy as set forth in claim 12,
further comprising an act of forming the stunt figure with at least
one appendage, and attaching the stunt figure with the
skateboard-shaped toy via the at least one appendage.
14. The method for forming the mobile toy as set forth in claim 13,
further comprising an act of forming the skateboard-shaped toy with
a frame attached with the skateboard deck and at least one channel
in the frame for receiving at least a portion of the at least one
appendage of the stunt figure.
15. The method for forming the mobile toy as set forth in claim 9,
further comprising an act of forming the stunt figure with at least
one appendage, and attaching the stunt figure with the
skateboard-shaped toy via the at least one appendage.
16. The method for forming the mobile toy as set forth in claim 9,
further comprising an act of forming the skateboard-shaped toy with
a frame and at least one channel in the frame for receiving at
least a portion of the stunt figure.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This is a Continuation-in-Part patent application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/660,238 filed in the United States
on Feb. 22, 2010, titled, "Mobile Skateboard-Shaped Toy with a
Flywheel", which is a Non-Provisional patent application of expired
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/208,169 filed in the United
States on Feb. 21, 2009, titled, "Mobile Skateboard-Shaped Toy with
a Flywheel." This application is also a Non-Provisional patent
application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/214,226, filed
in the United States on Apr. 21, 2009, titled, "Stunt Figure for
Attaching with a Mobile Toy to Allow for Performance of a
Stunt."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a stunt figure and
corresponding mobile toy and, more particularly; to a stunt figure
for attaching with a mobile toy vehicle, with the shape of the
stunt figure allowing for performance of a stunt.
[0004] (2) Description of Related Art
[0005] Stunt toys are toys that are formed to perform a particular
trick or stunt. Stunt toys have long been known in the art. For
example, toy airplanes have been conceived that can perform aerial
stunts, such as loops. As another example, remote control vehicles
have been devised that include rear weights to allow the vehicle to
perform a wheelie.
[0006] While the aforementioned prior art allows a user to perform
a stunt, the prior art is limited in that the vehicle itself is
formed to perform the particular stunt. In other words, the shape
and form the vehicle itself (e.g., car, plane, skateboard, etc.)
dictates the limited stunts available to the user.
[0007] Thus, a continuing need exists for an attachment (e.g.,
stunt figure) for attaching with a mobile toy vehicle (e.g.,
skateboard), with the shape of the stunt figure allowing for
performance of a stunt.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a stunt figure and
corresponding mobile toy and, more particularly, to a stunt figure
for attaching with a mobile toy vehicle, with the shape of the
stunt figure allowing for performance of a stunt.
[0009] In another aspect, the mobile toy vehicle is a
skateboard-shaped toy having a skateboard deck with a flywheel
positioned within the skateboard deck.
[0010] In another aspect, the stunt figure is detachably attachable
with the skateboard-shaped toy.
[0011] In another aspect, the stunt figure is detachably attachable
with the skateboard-shaped toy via a connection mechanism.
[0012] In another aspect, the connection mechanism is a snap-fit
mechanism.
[0013] In another aspect, the stunt figure comprises at least one
appendage, and the stunt figure is attached with the
skateboard-shaped toy via the at least one appendage.
[0014] In another aspect, the skateboard-shaped toy further
comprises a frame attached with the skateboard deck and at least
one channel in the frame for receiving at least a portion of the at
least one appendage of the stunt figure.
[0015] Finally, the present invention also comprises a method for
forming and using the device described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions
of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with
reference to the following drawings, where:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective-view of a stunt figure
attached with a mobile toy according to the present invention,
depicting the mobile toy and stunt figure in a form to allow the
stunt figure to perform a "wheelie" and/or "tumbles;"
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded-view of a mobile toy and a
stunt figure for attachment with the mobile toy according to the
present invention, depicting the connection mechanisms for
attachment of the stunt figure with the mobile toy;
[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates a side-view of a stunt figure attached
with a mobile toy according to the present invention, depicting the
substantially flat structure of the stunt figure;
[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates a front-view of a stunt figure attached
with a mobile toy according to the present invention, depicting the
mobile toy and stunt figure in a form to allow the stunt figure to
perform a "wheelie" and/or "tumbles;"
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective-view of a stunt figure
attached with a mobile toy according to the present invention,
depicting the mobile toy and stunt figure in a form to allow the
stunt figure to perform a "finger spin;"
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a front-view of a stunt figure attached
with a mobile toy according to the present invention, depicting the
mobile toy and stunt figure in a form to allow the stunt figure to
perform a "finger spin;"
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective-view of a stunt figure
attached with a mobile toy according to the present invention,
depicting the mobile toy and stunt figure in a form to allow the
stunt figure to perform a "hand stand;" and
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a front-view of a stunt figure attached
with a mobile toy according to the present invention, depicting the
mobile toy and stunt figure in a form to allow the stunt figure to
perform a "hand stand".
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The present invention relates to a stunt figure and
corresponding toy vehicle and, more particularly, to a stunt figure
for attaching with a mobile toy vehicle, with the shape of the
stunt figure allowing for performance of a stunt. The following
description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art
to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context
of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a
variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined
herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the
present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments
presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with
the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
[0026] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough
understanding of the present invention. However, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may
be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific
details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are
shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to
avoid obscuring the present invention.
[0027] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and
documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and
which are open to public inspection with this specification, and
the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated
herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this
specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and
drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same,
equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is
one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar
features.
[0028] Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly
state "means for" performing a specified function, or "step for"
performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a
"means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112,
Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of "step of" or "act of" in the
claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.
112, Paragraph 6.
[0029] Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back,
top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have
been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to
imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to
reflect relative locations and/or directions between various
portions of an object.
(1) DESCRIPTION
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a stunt
figure 100 for attaching with a mobile toy 102, with the shape of
the stunt figure 100 allowing for performance of a stunt. Although
the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto, FIGS.
1-7 depict the mobile toy 102 in the shape of a miniature
skateboard powered with a flywheel 104. The mobile toy 102 can be
formed to represent any mobile vehicle, non-limiting examples of
which include a skateboard, car, plane, bicycle, boat, animal, etc.
Further, to allow the mobile toy 102 to perform a stunt, it needs
some form of an intrinsic power source to cause motion to the
mobile toy 102 and/or stunt figure 100. Non-limiting examples of
such intrinsic power sources include a motor and a flywheel
104.
[0031] In the event of a flywheel 104, the flywheel 104 is a
weighted wheel positioned within the mobile toy 102. The flywheel
104 is powered using any suitable mechanism or device for providing
a high-rate of angular momentum to the flywheel 104, a non-limiting
example of which includes using a rip cord that is engageable with
gears that are affixed with the flywheel 104. For example, pulling
a ripcord along the gears will cause the flywheel 104 to rotate at
a high-rate of speed.
[0032] Further, the flywheel 104 can be removable or fixed.
Additionally, the direction of the flywheel 104 can be rotated
within the skateboard (i.e., mobile toy 102) to change a rotation
direction with respect to a long axis 106 of the mobile toy 102.
For example, the flywheel can be rotated such that its axis of
rotation is aligned with the long axis. This orientation places the
central axis of rotation at the tail and nose of the skateboard,
allowing the mobile toy to appear to balance and spin on the tail
or nose as a result of the gyroscopic action of the flywheel and
the form and position of the stunt figure. With the flywheel
spinning, the skateboard can be coaxed into a number of tricks and
balancing effects.
[0033] As noted above and illustrated in FIG. 1, the mobile toy 102
can be designed with a repositionable flywheel 104 in the
approximate center of a skateboard deck 108 of the mobile toy 102,
ideally (although not required) biased to one end to a certain
degree. The flywheel 104 is attachable with the mobile toy 102 in
any suitable manner that allows it to be repositionable. As a
non-limiting example, the flywheel 104 is housed independently in a
`turntable` that is inserted into a `bezel` or frame in the
skateboard. This system allows the flywheel 104 to be removable as
well as repositioned in a variety of locations and orientations. Of
course, the flywheel 104 can be placed in a fixed position allowing
the same performance. Several desired features are described
below.
[0034] The flywheel 104 is formed'through any suitable technique
and of any suitable material. As a non-limiting example, the
flywheel 104 is insert-molded with different materials that have
different performance attributes. Hard plastic allows the flywheel
104 to get limited traction, allowing it to slip and slide, drift,
as well as continue to spin when in contact with a surface thus
keeping its gyroscopic balancing effect even as it continues to
perform other actions. A softer material will allow the wheel to
gain greater traction and therefore speed in a certain
direction.
[0035] Tread patterns and other moldable design features and
performance enhancing shapes and details can be molded into the
flywheel 104. Molded bumps allow the board to hop and jump as the
shapes come into contact with the ground. A groove around the tire
will allow the flywheel to balance and travel on a string, wire, or
thin rail. A smooth wheel will allow the board to travel
"backwards" and then return as the wheel slowly gains traction. It
will also travel up one side of a half pipe and then return,
thereby gaining traction again and traveling back up the other
side.
[0036] FIG. 1 depicts the flywheel 104 aligned such that it rotates
in a direction that is aligned with the long axis 106 of the mobile
toy 102. Such an alignment produces traditional vehicle play
action, with the skateboard traveling in a forward or reverse
direction. This alignment is ideal for use on half pipes and jumps
or traditional vehicle floor play. In another aspect, the flywheel
is rotatable from 0 to 90 degrees (and anything in-between or
beyond). The ability to adjust the angle of the flywheel yields
even more unique performance and stunt capabilities.
[0037] In another aspect, the flywheel 104 can be positioned in a
low clearance position, where the flywheel 104 is set below the
plane formed by the four smaller wheels 110. Such a placement
allows the flywheel 104 to touch the ground, thus transferring its
rotational energy into movement of the board. Depending on the
rotational positions of the flywheel 104 relative to the skateboard
deck 108, this will induce different movement on the ground or
playset. At 0 degrees, the mobile toy 102 moves in a standard
forward/backward direction. In the 90 degree position, the mobile
toy 102 moves laterally and appears to be doing big slides.
[0038] In yet another aspect, the flywheel can be positioned in a
high clearance position, where the flywheel is set above the plane
formed by the smaller four wheels. Such a placement raises the
central axis of the flywheel, keeping the flywheel from touching
the ground in the upright position, as well as moving the focal
point of the gyroscopic action to different locations on the board.
In the ideal case, with the wheel at 90 degrees, the axis of the
flywheel now passes directly through the upturned `tail` of the
board, allowing it to spin like a top on one specific point. This
also extends the time that it can spend `floating` on the tail of
the board before losing energy and returning to a flat
position.
[0039] The shape of the skateboard deck also has performance
benefits. Varying the profile of the skateboard can be used to
induce variations to the tricks and stunt abilities. For example,
notches and detents in the edges allow the board to perform rail
slides and grinds. Single and double pointed noses create specific
locations for the board to spin. Angles and flats in certain areas
allow the board to settle into off-camber, angled, or vertical
spins. There are other shapes and designs of both the skateboard
deck and the frame that have yet to be explored; but are surely
going to influence performance.
[0040] The flywheel can also be formed to give consideration to the
profile, weight, and material of the flywheel. For example,
maximizing weight is a key strategy to improving gyro performance
and play duration.
[0041] As described previously, the present invention is directed
to a stunt figure for attaching with a mobile toy (e.g.,
skateboard) and the corresponding mobile toy. While the material
above is directed to various configurations of the mobile toy and
flywheel, the shape and form of the stunt figure is equally
important.
[0042] It should be noted that the stunt figure can be formed in a
variety of shapes to represent a variety of "riders." The stunt
figures are formed of any suitable lightweight material and in any
suitable manner, a non-limiting example of which includes being
formed of a moldable plastic with adhesive labels for art to depict
the rider. The light weight of the stunt figures allows them to
easily attach to the board without tipping the board. In a desired
aspect, the stunt figures are substantially flat with the exception
of a rib around the perimeter of the stunt figure for structural
purposes. Thus, the entire stunt figure has a uniform thickness
(with the exception of the rib). However, as can be appreciated by
one skilled in the art, the stunt figure may also be formed to be
multi-dimensional.
[0043] FIG. 1 depicts the mobile toy 102 and stunt figure 100 in a
form to allow the stunt figure 100 to perform a "wheelie" and/or
"tumbles." In this form, the stunt FIG. 100 is connected with the
mobile toy 102 through at least one appendage, a non-limiting
example of which includes a foot 111, as shown. Another appendage,
shown as a hand 112, of the stunt figure 100 is placed back and
behind the stunt figure. The hand 112 is formed such that when the
stunt figure 100 is attached with the mobile toy 102, the outer tip
of the hand 112 is aligned with the mobile toy 102 and/or the
wheels 110 of the mobile toy 102. This alignment represents a
ground surface when the mobile toy 102 is tipped back. Thus, the
shape of the stunt figure 100 and the position of the hand 112
allows the stunt figure 100 to do "wheelies." Additionally, when
jumping, the stunt figure 100 can help the mobile toy 102 perform
flips and tumbles as well as assist in righting the mobile toy 102.
Furthermore, the stunt figure can be formed so that only a foot of
the stunt figure is connected with the mobile toy, while the other
foot stands off of the mobile toy (not shown). The stunt figure can
be turned around to change the connecting foot which will provide
for a different performance.
[0044] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the stunt figure 100 and
the mobile toy 102, formed as a skateboard. In a desired aspect and
as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile toy 102 (flywheel not shown)
includes a body member 200 where the four smaller wheels are
housed. The skateboard deck 108 is attached with the top of the
body member 200. A frame 202 (or bezel) is then connected with the
top of the skateboard deck 108. The frame 202 includes at least one
connection mechanism 204 by which the stunt figure 100 is
detachably attached with the mobile toy 102.
[0045] The stunt figure 100 is attached with the mobile toy 102
using at least one of the connection mechanisms 204. The connection
mechanism 204 is any suitable mechanism or device that allows the
stunt figure 100 to be changed easily and placed in different
locations for different performance, non-limiting examples of which
include posts, slots, magnets, glue, clay, wax, etc. For example
and as shown in FIG. 2, the stunt figure 100 may include at least
one tab 206 (or post) at certain connection points while the mobile
toy 102 includes several slots or holes to accommodate the stunt
figure 100 in one or several configurations. In a desired aspect
and as shown, the connection mechanisms 204 are formed as channels
to receive a portion of the stunt figure 100. In a desired aspect,
the connection mechanisms 204 are positioned radially around the
frame 202 of the mobile toy 102. In another desired aspect, the tab
206 is a portion of an appendage (e.g., hand, foot) of the stunt
figure 100 which is formed in the appropriate size and shape to be
inserted into the connection mechanisms 204 through a snap-fit
mechanism. As a non-limiting example, the tab 206 may include at
least one indentation 208 which receives a protrusion formed in the
connection mechanism 204.
[0046] FIG. 3A illustrates a side-view of the stunt figure 100
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As described above, the stunt figure 100 is
substantially flat with the exception of a rib 300 around the
perimeter of the stunt figure 100 for structural purposes. FIG. 3B
depicts a front-view of the same stunt figure 100. In another play
feature, the hand 112 of the stunt figure 100 is formed to allow
the stunt figure 100 to "catch" other items. For example, the stunt
figure 100 can be formed with a "hooked hand" that allows the
mobile toy 102 and stunt figure 100 to slide down rails or strings
as well as "catch" other objects and play set features.
[0047] FIG. 4 depicts the mobile toy and stunt figure 100 in a form
to allow the stunt FIG. 100 to perform a "finger spin." The shape
and location of the hand 112 and a finger 400 allow the mobile toy
102 and stunt figure 100 to "spin" on the finger 400 tip. FIG. 5
illustrates a side-view of the same stunt figure 100, clearly
depicting the position of the finger 400 away from the mobile toy
102 to assist in performing finger spins. As shown, the finger 400
is aligned with a central axis 500 of the toy 102 that is formed as
a center of gravity between the stunt figure 100 and the toy
102.
[0048] FIG. 6 depicts the mobile toy 102 and stunt figure 100 in a
form to allow the stunt figure 100 to perform a "handstand." As
shown, the stunt figure 100 is in a different form with hands 112
that are connected with the mobile toy 102 and feet 111 extended
out for contact with a ground surface. It should also be noted that
the stunt figure's 100 position (or orientation 600) is a 90 degree
angle to the long axis 106 of the mobile toy 102. With the stunt
figure 100 in this position, the stunt figure 100 can do
"handstands" by balancing on the hands 112 and sliding around. As
the flywheel 104 slows down, the rider can flip back over into an
upright position. FIG. 7 is a front-view illustration of the stunt
figure 100 shown in FIG. 6, depicting the positioning of the hands
112 of the stunt figure 100 on either side of the mobile toy
102.
[0049] Thus, based on the above, it can be appreciated by one
skilled in the art that the present invention includes a mobile toy
(e.g., flywheel powered miniature skateboard) and a stunt figure
for attaching with the mobile toy. The position and shape of the
stunt figure provides for a wide variety of stunts that can be
performed with the mobile toy by altering the shape and center of
gravity of the mobile toy. Although not depicted, it can also be
appreciated that the stunt figure can be posable such that it can
be bent or positioned into and fixed in a particular form to
provide the features described herein.
* * * * *