TOY MODEL WITH TRANSFORMING TIRE MECHANISM

• US 20110021112A1
• Filed: 07/23/2010
• Published: 01/27/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Masaaki Suzuki
• Original Assignee: Masaaki Suzuki
• Inventors: SUZUKI, MASAKI
• Application Number:
  US12/842,248
• Publication Number:
  US 20110021112A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 446/465
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/262 Chassis; Wheel mountings; Wheels; Axles; Suspensions; Fitting body portions to chassis
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 using wireless transmission

Abstract

In accordance with one implementation of the present principles, the toy model tires are designed to be divided into sections. Each divided tire section independently pivots on its own fixed fulcrum point. In response to terrain conditions, the tires can transform by the pivoting of the tire sections outward, thus increasing the outer diameter and causing the tire to take on a claw like form to assist in overcoming rough terrain or obstacles on a running surface.

Claims

1. A toy model comprising:

a chassis;

at least one motor;

a gear mechanism connected to the at least one motor; and

at least two transforming tires connected to the gear mechanism, wherein each transforming tire comprises at least two tire sections configured to pivot outward beyond an outer circumference of the tire when a load on the tire exceeds a predetermined threshold.

2. The toy model of claim 1, wherein the at least two transforming tires further comprises:

an axle/end gear in communication with said gear mechanism;

an inner wheel configured to receive and pivotally mount said at least two tire sections;

a transmission link mechanically engaged by said axle/end gear; and

a tire transforming mechanism within each of said at least two transforming tires and in operable connection with the transmission link.

3. The toy model of claim 2, wherein said tire transforming mechanism further comprises:

a tire link connecting each tire section to the transmission link;

a pivot point about which each tire section pivots; and

a torsion spring around each of said pivot points and configured to bias each tire section inward, said torsion spring providing the predetermined load threshold for tire transforming.

4. The toy model of claim 2, further comprising:

radio control receiver electronics positioned within the chassis; and

a power source for providing power to the motors and the radio control receiver electronics.

5. The toy model of claim 2 further comprising a lock mechanism connected to the transmission link and configured to selectively lock or unlock the tire transforming.

6. The toy model of claim 5, wherein said lock mechanism further comprises:

a lock pin holder having shafts configured to selectively engage said transmission link;

a lock button in mechanical communication with the lock pin holder for enabling the selective engagement of the lock pin holder with the transmission link.

7. The toy model of claim 1, wherein said at least one motor further comprises:

a first motor connected to the gear mechanism and configured to control the transforming tires on a left side of the chassis; and

a second motor connected to the gear mechanism and configured to control the transforming tires on a right side of the chassis.