Multi-function modular robot apparatus with stackable, interchangeable and interlocking modules

• US 10,792,580 B2
• Filed: 12/24/2015
• Issued: 10/06/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kenneth C. Miller
• Original Assignee: Kenneth C. Miller
• Inventors: Miller, Kenneth C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kim, Eugene L
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hylinski, Alyssa M
• Application Number:
  US15/566,891
• Publication Number:
  US 20180290067A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,748 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 11/00 Self-movable toy figures
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/002 made of parts to be assembled
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/36 Steering-mechanisms for toy vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2200/00 Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/005 Motorised rolling toys
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/06 to be assembled without the use of additional elements

Abstract

A multi-function modular robot apparatus provides a wide range of entertainment and functional use options that may be tailored by a user to the specific entertainment and functional purposes so desired. The specific entertainment and functional purposes of the multi-function modular robot apparatus are obtained through inclusion of multiple stackable modules. The interlocking mechanical and electric communications connections for each stackable module act as a power and electronic communication pass through to allow for each module to be arranged in any order and in any combination while still maintaining power and function.

Claims

1. A multi-function modular robot apparatus comprising:

a first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules, each of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules comprising;

a module housing having a top face and a bottom face, said top face adapted to receive an interlocking mechanical and electrical communications component integral with said bottom face of another of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules, each of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules providing an entertainment or operational function of said modular robot apparatus; and

a robotic platform comprising;

a housing and a plurality of wheels, said housing having a module interface cutout adapted to receive said bottom face of one of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules;

wherein one of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules is;

a display module containing a clear, domed display positioned at the top of the stack of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules and further comprises one or a combination of;

video screen displays, avatars, heads, bobble-heads, toys-to-life figurines, arms, hands, sculptures, models, mini robots, animatronics or art;

a weapons module comprising one or a combination of;

a laser beam, infra red (IR) beam, spit-ball launcher, projectile launcher, flame thrower, flash bomb, poison dart gun, poker, kicker, hammer, robot arm, or water gun;

or

a tilting module comprising a hexapod; and

wherein each of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules has a hole through the middle of said top face and said bottom face, said hole adapted to allow the pass-through of a bolt operable to securely mount heavier modules of said first plurality of stackable modules.

2. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 wherein another of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules has at least one of the following functions:

computer driver, motor driver, one or more cameras, sound, turret, telescope, springing, bellows, fog machine, quick response (QR) code scanner, universal serial bus (USB) ports, port module, an infrared detector module, a laser range detector module, a sonic range detector module, a motion detector module, a multi laser light show module, a battery module, auxiliary jack inputs, speakers, video projector, microphone, smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector.

3. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 wherein another of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules is a communications module that enables one or a combination of:

radio frequency communication, Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi communication or cellular communication.

4. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 wherein another of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules is a lights module comprising upward, downward, inward and outward facing lights, lasers or light emitting diodes (LEDs).

5. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 wherein said robotic platform further comprises a motor, a bumper, a battery pack housing and a rechargeable battery pack.

6. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 5 wherein said bumper rotatably connected to said robotic platform;

and

wherein said bumper has one or more different shapes that correspond to a set of targets.

7. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a nut in the bottom of the clear, domed display module positioned at the top of the stack of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules operable to secure said bolt in place.

8. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules with a hole through the middle of said top face and said bottom face, said hole adapted to allow the pass through of said bolt operable to securely mount heavier modules of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules, said second plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules adapted to enable power and electronic pass through only.

9. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a plurality of interchangeable bolt components each having a length corresponding to the height of between two and thirty stacked modules of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules, said second plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules, or a combination thereof.

10. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a separate power stand component, operable to charge a battery pack while still in the robot via USB port or wall outlet connection.

11. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a separate user operable master remote control component adapted to enable control and programming of said functions of each of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules and to enable control of the movement of said multi-function robot apparatus.

12. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 11 wherein said separate user operable master remote control component is a joystick, Smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer.

13. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 wherein any one of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules has the top face oriented parallel to the bottom face.

14. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first magnet disposed within any one of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules, a second magnet disposed within another of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules and adapted to actively engage the any one of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules having the first magnet disposed therein.

15. The multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a power stand adapted to charge at least one of:

said robotic platform or at least one of said first plurality of stackable interlocking and interchangeable modules.

16. A method of playing a target-and-shoot game comprising:

securing said multi-function robot apparatus of claim 1 on the roof of an automobile;

driving said automobile along a route;

finding and imaging a set of QR code targets or finding a set of laser tag targets posted along said route using a separate user operable remote control component, where a user shoots at the set of laser tag targets with a laser weapon, and the set of laser tag targets are linked to the Internet.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein said separate user operable remote control component is a Smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer.