Remotely controlled vehicle with detachably attachable wheels

• US 7,494,398 B2
• Filed: 07/13/2005
• Issued: 02/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
• Inventors: Laurienzo, Dominic
• Primary Examiner(s): Kim; Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cegielnik; Urszula M
• Application Number:
  US11/181,698
• Publication Number:
  US 20060046612A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,322 Days
• Field of Search: 446/431, 446/457, 446/456, 446/454, 446/437, 446/460, 446/462, 446/465, 446/468, 446/469, 446/471
• US Class Current: 446/454
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/008 Launching devices for motorless toy vehicles start mechanisms for trackways A63H18/026; for toy aircraft A63H27/14
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/18 Tricycles, e.g. with moving figures
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/262 Chassis; Wheel mountings; Wheels; Axles; Suspensions; Fitting body portions to chassis
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/266 Movable parts other than toy figures, driven by the wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/44 Toy garages for receiving toy vehicles; Filling stations
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 29/24 Details or accessories for drive mechanisms, e.g. means for winding-up or starting toy engines
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/3061 Washing-machines

Abstract

A dual-wheel remotely controlled (RC) vehicle with two independently-controlled detachably attachable wheels is described. The RC vehicle comprises a body member having a right wheel and left wheel rotationally mounted proximate the body member. Each of the right and left wheels are drivably coupled with their own motors, such that each of the right and left wheels are independently controlled. Additionally, a quick release apparatus is included to provide for quick release of the wheels. Through use of the quick release apparatus, the wheels are interchangeable wheels and may be easily replaced with other interchangeable wheels. Furthermore, a stabilization apparatus is attached with the body member such that when the wheels are engaged, the stabilization apparatus is forced against a supporting surface, thereby preventing the body member from continuously spinning in place. Additionally, the detachably attachable wheels are formed to be used with devices other than a remotely controlled vehicle.

Claims

1. A remotely controlled vehicle, comprising:

a body member having a left portion, a right portion, a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, and a rear portion;

a quick release mechanism connected with the body member;

a detachably attachable right wheel having a wheel attachment mechamism, the right wheel rotationally mounted proximate the right portion of the body member for rotationally supporting the body member on a supporting surface, the right wheel having dimensions and a peripheral portion such that the peripheral portion of the right wheel extends beyond the top, bottom, and front portions of the body member, the detachably attachable right wheel being detachably attachable with the body member through use of the quick release mechanism;

a first motor drivably coupled with the right wheel;

a detachably attachable left wheel having a wheel attachment mechanism, the left wheel rotationally mounted proximate the left portion of the body member for rotationally supporting the body member on the supporting surface, the left wheel having dimensions and a peripheral portion such that the peripheral portion of the left wheel extends beyond the top, bottom, and front portions of the body member, the detachably attachable left wheel being detachably attachable with the body member through use of the quick release mechanism;

a second motor drivably coupled with the left wheel;

a receiver attached with the body member for receiving control signals from a remotely controlled transmitter, the receiver being independently connected with both the first and second motors such that a control signal from the remotely controlled transmitter provides for independent control of each of the first and second motors and their respective right and left wheels; and

a stabilization apparatus attached with the body member such that when the wheels are engaged, the stabilization apparatus is forced against the supporting surface, thereby preventing the body member from continuously spinning in place;

wherein the body member further has a left body member attachment mechanism and a right body member attachment mechanism, and wherein the quick release mechanism is operably connected with at least one of the body member attachment mechanisms;

wherein each body member attachment mechanism is formed to selectively connect with and lock a wheel attachment mechanism against the body member attachment mechanism, such that when a wheel and its corresponding wheel attachment mechanism are locked in place against the body member attachment mechanism, actuation of the quick release mechanism causes the body member attachment mechanism to disengage from the wheel attachment mechanism and thereby release the wheel;

wherein the wheel attachment mechanism is a central rotor with outer ridges formed to be connected with the body member attachment mechanism, the body member attachment mechanism including a space for insertion of the central rotor and a pin for sliding within the outer ridges, such that the pin locks the central rotor within the body member attachment mechanism, thereby locking the wheel with the body member, and wherein actuation of the quick release apparatus causes the pin to disengage from the outer ridges and thereby release the wheel

whereby through use of a remotely controlled transmitter, a user can independently control each of the right and left wheels, such that uni-engagement of the left or right wheels alone causes the remotely controlled vehicle to turn, and bi-engagement of both the right and left wheels in opposite directions also causes the remotely controlled vehicle to turn, while bi-engagement in the same direction causes the remotely controlled vehicle to propel itself forward, thereby allowing a user to maneuver the remotely controlled vehicle in forward, reverse, left, and right directions.

2. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the wheels are detachably attachable with the body member through the use of a quick release apparatus, such that actuation of the quick release apparatus releases at least one wheel, allowing for placement of another interchangeable wheel.

3. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 2, wherein both the first and second motors are encased within the body member.

4. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 3, wherein the body member is formed such that it is water resistant, thereby protecting the remotely controlled vehicle from aqueous elements.

5. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 4, further comprising a remotely controlled transmitter configured to transmit control signals to the receiver, the remotely controlled transmitter having a first controller and a second controller, where the first controller is configured to control the first motor and its corresponding right wheel, and where the second controller is configured to control the second motor and its corresponding left wheel.

6. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 5, wherein the stabilization apparatus includes a rod connected with the body member, the rod having an outer portion and at least two stabilization wheels rotationally attached with the outer portion, such that in operation, the remotely controlled vehicle rests upon the left wheel, right wheel, and stabilization wheels.

7. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 6, wherein the rod is in a movable connection with the body member.

8. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 7, further comprising an antenna circumferentially disposed around the rod.

9. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 8, wherein the antenna is formed to operate as a spring to force the stabilization wheel away from the body member, thereby minimizing impact forces against the body member when coming in contact with a surface.

10. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 9, wherein the rod is in the movable connection with the body member such that the body member includes at least one sleeve, with the rod inserted within sleeve, thereby providing for a slide-able rod inserted within the body member and creating the movable connection.

11. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 10, wherein the stabilization apparatus is attached proximate the rear portion of the body member.

12. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 11, wherein each detachably attachable wheel includes a central rotor.

13. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 12, wherein the detachably attachable wheel is formed to be used with a device other than a remotely controlled vehicle.

14. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein both the first and second motors are encased within the body member.

15. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the body member is formed such that it is water resistant, thereby protecting the remotely controlled vehicle from aqueous elements.

16. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a remotely controlled transmitter configured to transmit control signals to the receiver, the remotely controlled transmitter having a first controller and a second controller, where the first controller is configured to control the first motor and its corresponding right wheel, and where the second controller is configured to control the second motor and its corresponding left wheel.

17. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the stabilization apparatus includes a rod connected with the body member, the rod having an outer portion and at least two stabilization wheels rotationally attached with the outer portion, such that in operation, the remotely controlled vehicle rests upon the left wheel, right wheel, and stabilization wheels.

18. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 17, wherein the rod is in a movable connection with the body member.

19. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 18, wherein the rod is in the movable connection with the body member such that the body member includes at least one sleeve, with the rod inserted within sleeve, thereby providing for a slide-able rod inserted within the body member and creating the movable connection.

20. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an antenna circumferentially disposed around the rod.

21. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 20, wherein the antenna is formed to operate as a spring to force the stabilization wheel away from the body member, thereby minimizing impact forces against the body member when coming in contact with a surface.

22. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the stabilization apparatus is attached proximate the rear portion of the body member.

23. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein each detachably attachable wheel includes a central rotor.

24. A remotely controlled vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the detachably attachable wheel is formed to be used with a device other than a remotely controlled vehicle.

25. A method for forming a remotely controlled vehicle, the method comprising acts of:

forming a body member to have a left portion, a right portion, a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a rear portion, and a quick release mechanism connected with the body member;

rotationally mounting a detachably attachable right wheel having a wheel attachment mechanism, the right wheel proximate the right portion of the body member for rotationally supporting the body member on a supporting surface, the right wheel having dimensions and a peripheral portion such that the peripheral portion of the right wheel extends beyond the top, bottom, and front portions of the body member, the detachably attachable right wheel being detachably attachable with the body member through use of the quick release mechanism;

drivably coupling a first motor with the right wheel;

rotationally mounting a detachably attachable left wheel having a wheel attachment mechanism, the left wheel proximate the left portion of the body member for rotationally supporting the body member on the supporting surface, the left wheel having dimensions and a peripheral portion such that the peripheral portion of the left wheel extends beyond the top, bottom, and front portions of the body member, the detachably attachable left wheel being detachably attachable with the body member through use of the quick release mechanism;

drivably coupling a second motor with the left wheel;

attaching a receiver with the body member for receiving control signals from a remotely controlled transmitter, the receiver being independently connected with both the first and second motors such that a control signal from the remotely controlled transmitter provides for independent control of each of the first and second motors and their respective right and left wheels; and

attaching a stabilization apparatus with the body member such that when the wheels are engaged, the stabilization apparatus is forced against the supporting surface, thereby preventing the body member from continuously spinning in place;

wherein the body member further has a left body member attachment mechanism and a right body member attachment mechanism, and wherein the quick release mechanism is operably connected with at least one of the body member attachment mechanisms;

wherein each body member attachment mechanism is formed to selectively connect with and lock a wheel attachment mechanism against the body member attachment mechanism, such that when a wheel and its corresponding wheel attachment mechanism are locked in place against the body member attachment mechanism, actuation of the quick release mechanism causes the body member attachment mechanism to disengage from the wheel attachment mechanism and thereby release the wheel;

wherein the wheel attachment mechanism is a central rotor with outer ridges formed to be connected with the body member attachment mechanism, the body member attachment mechanism including a space for insertion of the central rotor and a pin for sliding within the outer ridges, such that the pin locks the central rotor within the body member attachment mechanism, thereby locking the wheel with the body member, and wherein actuation of the quick release apparatus causes the pin to disengage from the outer ridges and thereby release the wheel;

whereby through use of a remotely controlled transmitter, a user can independently control each of the right and left wheels, such that uni-engagement of the left or right wheels alone causes the remotely controlled vehicle to turn, and bi-engagement of both the right and left wheels in opposite directions also causes the remotely controlled vehicle to turn, while bi-engagement in the same direction causes the remotely controlled vehicle to propel itself forward, thereby allowing a user to maneuver the remotely controlled vehicle in forward, reverse, left, and right directions.