Transmitter for radio-controlled toy

• US 20040061479A1
• Filed: 09/30/2002
• Published: 04/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RadioShack Legacy Corporation
• Original Assignee: RadioShack Legacy Corporation
• Inventors: Hui, Wai, Harrelson, Art
• Granted Patent: US 7,288,917 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/125
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0049 Detection of fully charged condition

Abstract

A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap for removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.

Claims

1. A transmitter for a radio-controlled toy, comprising:

a housing;

a charging circuit positioned within the housing;

a transmitting circuit positioned within the housing in electrical communication with the charging circuit;

a charging pad protruding from the housing and in electrical communication with the charging circuit, wherein the charging pad is adapted to couple with a jack of the toy to transfer current from the charging circuit to the toy;

an indicator connected to the charging circuit for indicating a first off state, a second transmitting state, and a third charging state of the transmitter; and

a recess formed in the housing for retaining a tool associated with the toy.

2. The transmitter of claim 1 further comprising a toy release assembly positioned within the housing and the charging pad, the release assembly having an engaging mechanism protruding through the charging pad and a release for the engaging mechanism protruding through a wall of the housing.

3. The transmitter of claim 1 further comprising an indicator casing located on the housing and adjacent to the indicator for protecting the indicator.

4. The transmitter of claim 1 further comprising a switch located on the housing for activating the charging circuit.

5. The transmitter of claim 1 wherein the indicator is an LED.

6. The transmitter of claim 1 wherein the tool is a screwdriver.

7. A transmitter for a radio-controlled toy, comprising:

a housing having a first wall and a second wall;

a charging circuit positioned within the housing, wherein the charging circuit transfers current to the toy;

a charging pad protruding from the housing and in electrical communication with the charging circuit, wherein the charging pad is adapted to couple with the toy to transfer current from the charging circuit to the toy;

a toy release assembly positioned within the housing and the charging pad, the release assembly having an engaging mechanism protruding through the first wall and a release for the engaging mechanism protruding through the second wall;

an indicator connected to the charging circuit for indicating at least three states of the transmitter; and

a recess formed in the housing for retaining a tool associated with the toy.

8. The transmitter of claim 7 wherein the indicator indicates an off state.

9. The transmitter of claim 7 wherein the indicator indicates an on state.

10. The transmitter of claim 7 wherein the indicator indicates a charging state.

11. The transmitter of claim 7 wherein the charging circuit comprises a timer circuit for controlling the amount of time of charging.

12. The transmitter of claim 7 further comprising an indicator casing located on the housing and adjacent to the indicator for protecting the indicator.

13. The transmitter of claim 7 further comprising a switch located on the housing for activating the charging circuit.

14. The transmitter of claim 7 wherein the tool is a screwdriver.