US20080268744A1 - Toy vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy vehicle including a chassis having opposing right and left sides, opposing front and rear ends and a top side extending between the lateral sides and the ends. Front and rear road wheels are operatively mounted to the chassis to support the chassis for movement. The toy vehicle further includes a vehicle body, at least one biasing member positioned between the top side of the chassis and the vehicle body so as to bias the vehicle body away from the chassis and at least one connection movably securing the vehicle body with the chassis. Each of the at least one biasing member and the at least one connection are sufficiently flexible to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body in different horizontal directions on the chassis while the at least one connection limits separation of the vehicle body from the chassis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/914,580, filed Apr. 27, 2007 and entitled “Bobble Toy Vehicle”, the entire subject matter of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to toy vehicles and, more particularly, to a toy vehicle having a vehicle body and/or chassis that exhibits realistic or lifelike motion when the toy vehicle is driven and a toy vehicle having a center of gravity that enables the toy vehicle to be driven at a generally inclined position or to perform “wheelies”.
• Remote controlled toys vehicles (i.e., cars, sport utility vehicles and “monster” trucks) are generally known. Consumers today, especially those that play with dynamic toys such as remote controlled “monster” trucks, desire realistic effects. One realistic effect consumers desire is the realistic and/or generally unpredictable “bobbling” action of these toy vehicles. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to create a remotely controlled “monster” truck, or any other remotely controlled vehicle, that is capable of performing such motion for a variety of reasons.
• Therefore, it would be desirable to create a toy vehicle with new, unique and improved design and capabilities. Specifically, it would be desirable to create a toy vehicle having a vehicle body supported by at least one spring to allow for “bobbling” action as the vehicle moves and stops. Further, it would be desirable to create a toy vehicle having a front axle that is loosely captured on the vehicle's housing or chassis to allow the axle to twist and move a predetermined amount axially (right and left) and radially (up and down/front and back) as the vehicle moves. The combination of these two structures would provided a realistic or lifelike motion to the vehicle. Further, it would be desirable to create a toy vehicle with a center of gravity low and towards the rear to enable the vehicle be driven at a generally inclined position or to perform “wheelies” and wheelie spins.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Briefly stated, the present invention is direct to a toy vehicle that includes a chassis having opposing right and left sides, opposing front and rear ends and a top side extending between the lateral sides and the end. A front road wheel and a rear road wheel are operatively mounted to the chassis to at least partially support the chassis for movement. The toy vehicle further includes a vehicle body, at least one biasing member positioned between the top side of the chassis and the vehicle body so as to bias the vehicle body away from the chassis and at least one connection movably securing the vehicle body with the chassis while limiting separation of the vehicle body away from the chassis. Each of the at least one biasing member and the at least one connection are sufficiently flexible to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body in horizontal directions on the chassis while the at least one connection limits separation of the vehicle body from the chassis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
• The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings two embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
• FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of a fully assembled toy vehicle in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the toy vehicle inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned left side elevation view of the toy vehicle ofFIG. 1, with the toy vehicle in a partially inclined or “wheelie” position;
• FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the components of the toy vehicle shown inFIG. 1
• FIG. 5 is a front left perspective view of a vehicle chassis of a toy vehicle in accordance with another preferred embodiment, with a vehicle body removed for clarity;
• FIG. 6 is a magnified front left perspective view of the toy vehicle ofFIG. 4, with the vehicle body, right and left frames and an upper chassis housing removed for clarity;
• FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram depicting the angular directions in which the toy vehicle is capable of moving;
• FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a wireless remote control transmitter and an on-board control unit of the toy vehicles shown herein;
• FIG. 8 is a left side elevation view of a fully assembled toy vehicle in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 9 is a rear left perspective view of the toy vehicle ofFIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “upper” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
• Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown inFIGS. 1-4 a first preferred embodiment of a bobble toy vehicle, generally designated100. As shown inFIG. 1, a preferredtoy vehicle100 of the present invention is generally similar in appearance and operation to other remote control toy vehicles found in the prior art. Thetoy vehicle100 of the present invention has a lower housing3 and anupper housing4 together defining achassis5, afront axle20 operatively connecting twofront road wheels21 to thechassis5 and arear axle17 also operatively connecting two rear road wheels6 to thechassis5. Each of theroad wheels21,6 is operatively mounted to the chassis to at least partially support thechassis5 for movement. Although reference is made specifically to a four wheeled toy “Monster”truck100, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the specific structural arrangements and methods described herein may be employed in virtually any type of toy vehicle, such as automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, etc.
• The rear road wheels6 are shaped and sized such that atire18 may be wrapped around the circumferential outer edge of each. Thetires18 are preferably made of a soft polymer such as a soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or an elastomer selected from the family of styrenic thermoplastic elastomers polymers sold under the trademark KRAYTON POLYMERS so as to increase traction and improve control of thetoy vehicle100. It is also preferred that thetires18 are essentially identical in dimension and construction and oversized to provide additional stability for thetoy vehicle100. Thetires18 may be solid polymer or a polymer shell filled with a foam or hollow and sealed, preferably with a valve for inflating and adjusting the pressure level of thetires18. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other sizes and materials could be substituted, such as, but not limited to, silicone, polyurethane foam, latex, and rubber. Moreover, the tires could be open to atmosphere or sealed. In the preferred embodiment, each of thetires18 has knobs for gripping and traction, particularly off pavement terrain including but not limited to sand, dirt and grass. Thefront road wheels21 preferably have a circumferential outer surface made of a more slippery material, such as polypropylene, to permit the front end of thetoy vehicle100 to be moved laterally more easily. Thefront road wheels21 may be provided without tires, as depicted, or with tires.
• Preferably, the operation of thetoy vehicle100 is generally similar to other remote controlled toy vehicles found in the prior art. Thetoy vehicle100 is provided with one or more, preferably reversible, electric motors38 for at least propulsion of thetoy vehicle100 across a supporting surface90 (FIG. 3). As seen inFIG. 4, thetoy vehicle100 preferably includes two spaced-apartreversible motors38a,38beach mounting apinion10 projecting from a side of the motor38 and driving a train of gears and shafts. Eachpinion10 directly drivesmated reduction gears11,12, which, in turn, drive a drivengear13 and bushings14 surrounding a fixedrear axle17 to power the rear wheels6 of thetoy vehicle100. Such an arrangement combines propulsion with steering and is sometimes referred to as “tank steering.” However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the power system and drive system used to control the movement of thetoy vehicle100 can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope the invention. Further, thetoy vehicle100 of the present invention is similar to other remote controlled toy vehicles found in the prior art in that the motors38 are powered by an on-boardelectronic power supply35, such as one or a series of batteries.
• Referring toFIG. 7, thetoy vehicle100 is preferably used in combination with a conventionalwireless remote controller105. Thetoy vehicle100 is provided withconventional circuit board101 mountedcontrol circuitry200 adapted to control operation of the drive motors38. The circuitry includes an on-board controller102 with aprocessor102aplus any necessary related elements such as memory. If thevehicle100 is wirelessly remotely controlled, it includes awireless signal receiver102boperably coupled and any other accessory motor (not shown) withprocessor102aand responsive to theremote control transmitter105. The motors38 are controlled by theprocessor102athroughmotor control subcircuits104a,104bwhich, under control ofprocessor102a, selectively couple each motor38 with an electric power supply35 (such as one or more disposable or rechargeable batteries). Thetoy vehicle100 is capable of being maneuvered in the manner of a tank by varying the relative direction and/or speeds of rotation of drive motors38 and the rear road wheels6. If desired, another electrically operated motor or actuator98 (in phantom) can be provided, remotely controlled through accessorymanual actuators105c,105d,processor102aand control circuit104c(also in phantom) for performing stunts, “wheelies” or other special amusement effects.
• Thetoy vehicle100 of the present invention provides a movement of avehicle body28 of thetoy vehicle100 to mimic the movement and motion of that of a full scale “Monster” vehicle. As will be described in detailed below, thetoy vehicle100 moves in a “bobble-head” doll type of motion when driven in order to simulate the movement of the coach portion of a full scale “Monster” vehicle, for example, having a shock-absorbing system that causes the coach of the vehicle to move/undulate in various directions or at various angles as the chassis of the vehicle is driven over rough or undulating terrain.
• It is understood by those skilled in the art that the overall appearance of thetoy vehicle100 can vary from the design shown herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example,FIG. 1 depicts a four wheeled vehicle generally in the shape of a monster truck as seen driven for entertainment at sporting or entertainment complexes. However, thetoy vehicle100 can have any number of wheels and be in the form of any cycle, truck, sport utility vehicle or other automobile without departing from spirit and scope of the invention. Alternatively, thetoy vehicle100 can be in the form of a boat, airplane or any other motorized toy.
• As shown,FIGS. 3 and 4, theupper housing4 matingly engages with the top of the lower housing3 to form achassis5 and provide a means to operatively connect thewheels6,21 andaxles17,20 and to support the rest of the structure of thetoy vehicle100. Thechassis5 includes opposing right and leftlateral sides5a,5b, opposing front andrear ends5c,5dand atop side5eextending between thelateral sides5a,5band theends5c,5d. Thetoy vehicle100 preferably includes aright frame24 and aleft frame23 to limit downward movement of thebody28 with respect to thechassis5 as well as to simulate a real body supporting frame. The lower housing3 includes a battery housing3b(FIG. 4) towards the rear of thetoy vehicle100 to properly support thepower supply35.
• Referring toFIGS. 4 and 6, the lower housing3 preferably includes an arcuate-shaped extension, channel or trough3aproximate the front end5cof thechassis5 to provide a support to thefront axle20. The motors38, reduction gears11,12, driven gears13 andbushings14 are all preferably supported on top of the lower housing3. Theupper housing4 is sized and shaped to enclose the battery housing3b, motors38 and reduction gears11,12, driven gears13 andbushings14 on top of the lower housing3. Further, thetoy vehicle100 includes a lower motor cover7 and an upper motor cover8 to enclose the motors38. The lower housing3,upper housing4, battery housing3band motor covers7,8 are preferably formed of an ABS resin. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that theupper housing4, lower housing3, battery housing3band motor covers7,8 can be formed of virtually any high strength, lightweight and heat resistant or heat radiant material, such as a metallic material, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
• To provide thetoy vehicle100 with more body movement, thetoy vehicle100 of the present invention has two separate “systems” or structural arrangements to provide the desired motion. The first system is one that creates/provides greater movement to thevehicle body28 oftoy vehicle100 on thechassis5 and includes at least one but preferably a plurality of biasingmembers30 positioned between thetop side5eof thechassis5 and thevehicle body28 so as to bias thevehicle body28 away from thechassis5. The first system further includes at least one and preferably a plurality of spaced-apart connections25, which movably secure thevehicle body28 to thechassis5 while limiting separation of thevehicle body28 away from thechassis5, preferably against the bias of the biasingmembers30. In this embodiment, the connections25 preferably includeflexible members27, such as a resiliently flexible plastic stakes or posts27. Theflexible members27 are preferably movably secured at least with thetop side5eof thechassis5 throughopenings80 and preferably thevehicle body28 through openings29 to permit at least downward vertical movements as well as transverse movements in different horizontal directions of thevehicle body28 on thechassis5. Preferably, each biasingmember30 is associated with a separate connection25. In this embodiment, each biasingmember30 is preferably a coil spring and theflexible member27 of each connection25 extends through thespring30 to capture thespring30.
• By “against the bias”, it is meant that connection25 is sufficiently short with respect to an associated biasingmember30 such that any slack in the biasingmember30 is fully taken up and, preferably, the biasingmember30 is put into slight compression so that thevehicle body28 is always being biased away from thechassis5 back to a nominal or rest position, as shown inFIGS. 1-3 (andFIGS. 8-9). However, it will be appreciated that the invention does not require the connection25 to normally load the biasingmember30 in this way. The connection25 need only limit separation of thevehicle body28 from thechassis5.
• Preferably, thetoy vehicle100 of the present invention includes two identicalrear connections25athat are preferably located proximate therear end5dof thechassis5 and the rear wheels6. Rearflexible members27aextend generally vertically from thetop side5eof thechassis5. A lower portion of eachmember27ais preferably movably engaged, within an opening80a(inFIG. 3) for example, through thetop side5eof thechassis5. An upper portion of eachmember27amay be capable of extending through an appropriate opening29ain thevehicle body28 or fixed in the opening29a, as desired. Coilspring biasing members30asurround eachflexible member27aof eachrear connection25a. Preferably, a first or upper surface of eachrear coil spring30ais juxtaposed with saidbody28 and a second or lower surface is juxtaposed with thetop side5eof thechassis5. Either or both surfaces of the rear coil springs30amay be fixedly or removably attached, for example, to thebody28 and/orchassis5.
• Further, afront connection25bpreferably extends vertically from thetop side5eof thechassis5 proximate a mid-section of thetoy vehicle100 and through an appropriate opening29binvehicle body28. A lower portion of thefront connection25bis preferably moveably engaged, within an opening80b(FIG. 3) for example, in thetop side5eof thechassis5. An upper portion of each member27bis capable of extending through or is fixed, as desired, in an appropriate opening29bin thevehicle body28. A front coilspring biasing member30bencloses and/or surrounds thefront connection25band is captured by its flexible member27b. Preferably, first or upper and second or lower surfaces of thefront coil spring30bare juxtaposed with thebody28 and thetop side5eof thechassis5, respectively. Either or both surfaces of thefront coil spring30bmay be fixedly or removably attached, for example, to thebody28 andchassis5. Front andrear connections25a,25band biasingmembers30a,30bare preferably identical but may differ for different spacings between thevehicle body28 andchassis5 or to differentiate response of the front and rear ends of thevehicle body28.
• As is understood by those skilled in the art, the openings29 in thevehicle body28 and theopenings80 in thechassis5 allow theflexible members27 of the connections25 to move vertically downwardly with respect to thechassis5 and thebody28 from a normally raised position (inFIGS. 1-3). The lowermost ends of theflexible members27 are preferably captured in thechassis5 by the provision of flanges which are sized and shaped, for example cupped, to permit eachmember27 to pivot or roll in any transverse (i.e. horizontal) direction in theopening80 in theupper housing4 of thechassis5. The upper ends of themembers27 may be similarly movably captured in the vehicle body openings29a,29bby suitable means such as flange headed screws88 (FIG. 3) or, more preferably, may be fixedly secured in the openings29 so that only the lower ends of theflexible members27 move through theirrespective opening80.
• When thetoy vehicle100 of the present invention is properly assembled and driven, thevehicle body28 undulates up and down and moves transversely generally similar to the movement of a “bobble” doll head in a generally unpredictable motion. Each of the biasingmembers30 and the connections25 is sufficiently flexible to permit transverse movements of thevehicle body28 in different horizontal directions on thechassis5 while the connections25 limit separation of thevehicle body28 from thechassis5. Preferably, the connections25 resiliently limit transverse movement of thesprings30 andbody28 on thechassis5. This generally horizontal motion, as well as vertical motion, of thevehicle body28 with respect to thechassis5 mimics the real life motion of a “Monster” truck having a shock absorbing system, as seen at entertainment or sporting venues.
• It is understood by those skilled in the art that the structure of thetoy vehicle100 that creates an undulating or bobble effect of thevehicle body28 is not limited to the specific structure described above. For example, it is within the spirit and scope of the invention that the number or size of connections and/or biasing members can be increased or decreased to provide a different motion to thevehicle body28. Further, it is within the spirit and scope of the invention that the location of the connections and/or biasing members can be rearranged to provide a different motion or bobble effect to thevehicle body28.
• FIG. 5 depicts achassis5′ with a modified form offlexible members27′. Thetoy vehicle100′ includes like reference numerals to indicate like elements and a (′) distinguishing the reference numerals of this preferred embodiment from the first preferred embodiment ofFIGS. 1-4. Specifically, eachmember27′ is basically a flat piece of flexible polymer material, flared at its lower end, to form a bayonet connection with asuitable opening80′ in theupper housing4′ of thechassis5′.Opening80′ is generally circular with a diameter slightly larger than the width of theflexible members27′ and include ends of a diametric slot sufficiently long to receive the flared lower end of themember27′. After insertion,member27′ is rotated to secure the flared lower end in therespective opening80′. This configuration permits downward movement ofmember27′ through therespective opening80′. Proper configuration of the lower end ofmember27′ and theopening80′, for example, cupping of the lower end of themember27′ and facing seat of theopening80′, would permit transverse pivotal or rolling movement of themembers27′ in theopening80′ like a ball and socket, as well as bending of the flexible member across its vertical, longitudinal direction.
• Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Atoy vehicle100″ includes like reference numerals to indicate like elements and a (″) distinguishing the reference numerals of this preferred embodiment from the first preferred embodiment ofFIGS. 1-4 and its alternative ofFIG. 5. Thetoy vehicle100″ ofFIGS. 8-9 is substantially similar in structure and operation to the embodiments described above. Thetoy vehicle100″ preferably includes achassis5″, avehicle body28″, afront axle20″ operatively connected to twofront road wheels21″ and arear axle17″ operatively connected to two rear road wheels6″. The primary difference of the second preferred embodiment is that each connection25″ has aflexible member27″ preferably formed of a string, cord, thread or virtually any other type of member that is completely flexible. By that, it means themember27″ is insufficiently resilient to be self-supporting and can resist tensile loads but not compressive loads. Thestrings27″ secure thebody28″ to thechassis5″ and limit the upward movement of thebody28″. Thesestrings27″ do nothing to keep thebody28″ upright or limit the transverse movement of thebody28″ with respect to thechassis5″ until pulled taunt. As is understood by those skilled in the art, each connection25″ may be secured to thechassis5″ and/orbody28″ through a hole in either in virtually any manner, such as by a pin, a rivet, a screw adhesive, etc, or by the provision of a knot in or a stop on theflexible member27″. Alternatively, either or each end of themembers27″ may be secured in a cap abutted against an end of the flexible member and the cap positioned in or against and/or secured between thechassis5″ and thevehicle body28″. It should be appreciated that theflexible members27″ of the present invention also include fully flexible elastomeric as well as inelastic members.
• The second “system” is one that creates/provides greater movement to the front end of thetoy vehicle100 and includes thefront axle20 being partially enclosed and loosely captured in afront axle housing22 within the trough3aat the front of the lower housing3. The interior diameter of thefront axle housing22 is slightly larger than the exterior diameter of thefront axle20. Thus, thefront axle20 is twistable and slidable axially (i.e. in either the left or right direction) and radially (i.e. up/down/front/rear directions) with respect to thefront axle housing22.
• Thefront axle housing22 preferably includes two spaced apart stops22a, in the form of flanges or protrusions, that circumferentially protrude from thefront axle housing22 at equally spaced locations on thefront axle housing22 from the center of thehousing22. The stops22aallow thefront axle housing22, and thus thefront axle20 located within thefront axle housing22, to move a predetermined distance in opposite axial directions (i.e. transverse left and right). Those skilled in the art understand that thetoy vehicle100 is not limited to the inclusion of thestops22a.
• Thefront axle housing22 itself is loosely positioned within the trough3a. Further, a receptor22bprotrudes from thefront axle housing22 generally at a midsection of thefront axle housing22. The receptor22bis generally circular in shape and receives and secures a first end of a biasingmember33, such as a torsion coil spring. For example, the bore of receptor22bcan be threaded for the first end ofcoil spring33 to be screwed into the receptor22b. The second end of thetorsion spring33 is preferably firmly connected to thechassis5, for example to a support post3dprotruding from the top of the lower housing3. The second end of thetorsion spring33 may be captured between a pair of upwardly extending flanges3cof the support post and a screw3ehaving a flared head spanning the flanges3c.
• In a nominal, at rest, level orientation of thetoy vehicle100, thefront axle housing22 is biased to the bottom of the trough3aby thetorsion spring33. From that position, the combination of thestops22aand thetorsion spring33 provide a controlled range of translational (i.e. axial and radial three-dimensional) motion as well as rotational (i.e. twisting) motion about axes extending radially from thefront axle housing22, for thefront axle housing22,front axle20 and, therefore, thefront wheels21 of thetoy vehicle100, as depicted inFIG. 6A. As seen inFIGS. 2-6, theupper housing4 encloses thetorsion spring33 and captures thefront axle housing22.
• It is understood that the front of thetoy vehicle100 of the present invention can be modified to create different motion without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, thetoy vehicle100 may have a plurality of torsion springs30 or the location of thetorsion spring30 can be positioned differently to provide a different motion to the front end of thetoy vehicle100. Also, the present invention is not limited to a torsion spring. One or more resilient and/or elastic members might be used. It is understood by those skilled in the art that any structure capable of movement that provides a restoring force to thefront axle20 and/or afront axle housing22, if provided, can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As noted above, thestops22aon thefront axle housing22 can be located at different positions to provide more or less movement of the front of thetoy vehicle100 in a left and right direction. Further, thetoy vehicle100 is not limited to the inclusion of the “loosely captured”front axle20 andfront axle housing20. For example, thefront axle20 may be fixed to thefront axle housing22 or stub axles provided at the outer ends of thehousing22 to reduce movement of thetoy vehicle100, if desired.
• In reference toFIG. 3, the center of gravity CG of thetoy vehicle100 of the present invention is preferably located towards the lower rear of thetoy vehicle100 longitudinally proximal therear axle17. Optionally, the precise placement of a weight32 (FIG. 4) can ensure that the center of gravity CG is in a desired location. This location of the center of gravity CG allows thetoy vehicle100 of the present invention to readily perform wheelies, wheelie spins and certain other motions desired by a user. Thetoy vehicle100 preferably includes a combination rear bumper andwheelie bar26 to provide stability to thetoy vehicle100 when the user is performing a wheelie or wheelie spin or other such desired function. The bumper/bar26 is sized and shaped to extend from the rear of thetoy vehicle100 such that the weight of thetoy vehicle100 can be supported during various maneuvers. By manipulating the controls on a remote controller (not shown) in a specified manner, thetoy vehicle100 will perform the desired wheelie, wheelie spin or other such desired motion. As seen inFIG. 5, two stunt or prop wheels19′ may be rotatably supported by a conventional stub axle or shaft (not shown) that extends within the bumper/bar26′. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that thetoy vehicle100 is not limited to the inclusion of two prop wheels19′, but may not include prop wheels or may include only one or more than two prop wheels. Further, the location of the prop wheel(s) is/are not limited to that shown and described herein.
• It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, thetoy vehicle100 can be constructed of, for example, plastic or any other suitable material such as metal or composite materials. Also, the dimensions of thetoy vehicle100 shown can be varied, for example making components of the toy vehicle smaller or larger relative to other components. It should be appreciated that some of the figures are more schematic than others.
• While themotors38a,38bare conventionally powered by an on-board power source, such asbatteries35, the vehicle might use a capacitive storage device (not depicted). Furthermore, it is preferred that thetoy vehicle100 to be conventionally remotely controlled have an antenna (not shown) or other wireless signal sensor or receptor. The antenna may be extended upwardly through any of the biasingmembers30 or simply located on thetop side5eof thechassis5 between thechassis5 and thevehicle body28. This location of the antenna could add to the aesthetics of thetoy vehicle100 removing the antenna from the user line of sight and may also protect the antenna or provide for optimum operation. Alternatively, the antenna may be extended through thevehicle body28.
• While remote control of thetoy vehicle100 is preferred, it will be appreciated that the toy vehicle can be factory preprogrammed to perform a predetermined movement or series of movements or can be configured to be selectively programmed by a user to create such predetermined movement(s). Alternatively, or in addition, thetoy vehicle100 can be equipped with environment sensors, e.g., contact activated switches, proximity detectors, etc.,107a,107b(in phantom inFIG. 7) that will control thetoy vehicle100 to turn away from or reverse itself automatically from whatever direction it was moving in if or when an obstacle is contacted or otherwise sensed. Further example,vehicle100 might be provided both propulsion and control components like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,427, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Such control systems can be obtained directly from manufacturers, such as Taiyo, Kogyo of Tokyo, Japan and others or U.S. distributors selling radio control vehicle products and/or parts. The term, “remotely controlled” is used broadly to include both hard wire and wireless controlled toy vehicles.
• It is understood, therefore, that changes could be made to the preferred embodiments of the toy vehicle described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof it is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (19)

1. A toy vehicle comprising:

a chassis having opposing right and left lateral sides, opposing front and rear ends and a top side extending between the lateral sides and the ends;

a front road wheel and a rear road wheel operatively mounted to said chassis to at least partially support said chassis for movement;

a vehicle body;

at least one biasing member positioned between the top side of the chassis and the vehicle body so as to bias the vehicle body away from the chassis; and

at least one connection movably securing said vehicle body with the chassis while limiting separation of the vehicle body away from the chassis;

each of the at least one biasing member and the at least one connection being sufficiently flexible to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body in horizontal directions on the chassis while the at least one connection limits separation of the vehicle body from the chassis.

2. The toy vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one biasing member is a coil spring.

3. The toy vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one connection includes a flexible member sufficiently resilient to be self supporting.

4. The toy vehicle ofclaim 3 wherein the flexible member is movably secured to at least the chassis so as to permit the transverse movements of the vehicle body on the chassis.

5. The toy vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one connection includes a flexible member insufficiently resilient to be self supporting.

6. The toy vehicle ofclaim 1 further comprising a motor on said chassis drivingly connected with at least one of the front and rear wheels to propel the toy vehicle, and wherein the at least one biasing member and connection are sufficiently flexible to further permit transverse movements of the vehicle body on the chassis in horizontal directions with propulsion of the toy vehicle by the motor.

7. The toy vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein:

the at least one biasing member is one of a plurality of biasing members positioned between the top side of the chassis and the inner side of the body so as to bias the vehicle body away from the chassis; and

the at least one connection is one of a plurality of connections movably securing the vehicle body with the chassis against the bias of the plurality of biasing members to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body on the chassis while limiting separation of the vehicle body from the chassis.

8. The toy vehicle ofclaim 7 wherein at least one of the plurality of biasing members is a coil spring.

9. The toy vehicle ofclaim 7 wherein each of the plurality of biasing members is a coil spring.

10. The toy vehicle ofclaim 7 wherein at least one of the plurality of connections includes a flexible member sufficiently resilient to be self supporting.

11. The toy vehicle ofclaim 10 wherein the flexible member is movably secured to at least the chassis so as to permit the transverse movements of the vehicle body on the chassis.

12. The toy vehicle ofclaim 7 wherein each of the plurality of connections includes a flexible member sufficiently resilient to be self supporting and movably secured with the chassis and the vehicle body so as to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body on the chassis.

13. The toy vehicle ofclaim 7 wherein at least one of the plurality of connections includes a flexible member insufficiently resilient to be self supporting.

14. The toy vehicle ofclaim 7 wherein each of the plurality of connectors includes a flexible member insufficiently resilient to be self supporting.

15. The toy vehicle ofclaim 7 further comprising a motor on said chassis drivingly connected with at least one of the front and rear wheels to propel the toy vehicle, and wherein the plurality of biasing members and the plurality of connections are all sufficiently flexible to further permit transverse movements of the vehicle horizontal directions with propulsion of the vehicle by the motor.

16. The toy vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one biasing member and the at least one connection are located more proximal the front end the chassis and further comprising:

a second biasing member positioned between the top side of the chassis and the inner side of the body more proximal the rear end of the chassis so as to bias the vehicle body away from the rear end of the chassis; and

a second connection more proximal the rear end of the chassis movably securing the vehicle body to the chassis against the bias of the second biasing member.

17. The toy vehicle ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a trough formed in said chassis proximate said front end;

a front axle supporting the front road wheel;

a front axle housing at least partially surrounding said front axle and movably positioned with said trough; and

a torsion spring member movably connecting the front axle housing with the chassis.

18. The toy vehicle ofclaim 17 wherein said front axle housing is movable in axial and radial directions with respect to the chassis when the toy vehicle is driven.

19. The toy vehicle ofclaim 18 wherein said front axle housing further comprising two spaced-apart stops protruding from said front axle housing, wherein said stops allow said front axle housing to move a predetermined distance in opposing axial directions.

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