The present invention relates to a transformable toy vehicle, and in particular to a toy vehicle that transforms between multiple configurations, including a spinning top, and utilizes a launch mechanism to spin the vehicle in a top-like manner which can further be incorporated into game play.
There have been numerous varieties of children's toys that are non-interactive and interactive. A continual need for improvements in more realistic play qualities along with improved electronics and mechanics provide for new arrangements which improve or change the play and interaction between the child and the toy. Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof and from the accompanying drawings.
In one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a transforming vehicle and launch system. The vehicle includes a sliding front segment, a sliding rear segment, two sliding side segments, a receiving cavity and multiple configurations including a first configuration and a second configuration. The launch mechanism has a rotating launch shaft in communication with a power drive system and a release button. The power drive system includes an energy generation and energy storage means. Further provided is a means to transform the vehicle between the multiple configurations including the first configuration and the second configuration. The front segment and rear segment slide toward one another and push the two side segments outward to direct a central shaft downward to extend below a plane of the vehicle's base housing and locks in position to define the second configuration. The receiving cavity further being shaped to facilitate receipt of the launch shaft and a transfer of energy from the power drive system to the vehicle when the launch shaft rotates. Thereafter, the energy generated and stored in the power drive system is transferred to the second configuration via the rotation of the launch shaft when the release button is triggered such that the vehicle separates from the launch shaft and spins on the central shaft.
A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
a is a perspective view of a first configuration of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
b is a top view of
c is a bottom view of
a is a perspective view of a second configuration of the vehicle from
b is bottom perspective view of the
c is a top view of
d is a bottom view of
a is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
b is an bottom perspective view of
a is a top view of the vehicle from
b is a top view of the vehicle from
a is a bottom perspective view of
b is a bottom perspective view of
a is a sectional view of the vehicle from
b is a sectional view of the vehicle from
a is a perspective view of an example of a launch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
b is a perspective view of another example of a launch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
a is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle in a first configuration in accordance with the present invention;
b is a perspective view of the vehicle from
c is a side view of
While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention or the embodiments illustrated.
Referring now to
Now additionally referring to
Now additionally referring to
Continuing to refer to
Referring now to
As the launch shaft 190 is inserted into the cavity 95, tapered paths 200 guide a pair of extensions 205 on the launch shaft 190 into the cavity 95. Energy is generated and stored in a power drive system (not shown) in the launch mechanism 12 prior to positioning the launch shaft 190 in the cavity 95 or while the launch shaft 190 is positioned in the cavity 95. Pressing a release button on the launch mechanism releases the stored energy to rotate the launch shaft 190 and extensions 205, thus rotating the vehicle 10 in accordance thereto. As the extensions 205 rotate, the tapered paths 200 push against the extensions 205 to separate or launch the vehicle 10 to land on a desired surface and spin in a top-like manner.
a and 8b show two illustrative embodiments of launch mechanisms. As mentioned above, many different power drive systems may be used in the launch mechanism 12 to rotate the launch shaft 190. For example, the launch shaft 190 may connect to a power drive system, such as a wind up spring or a spring loaded gear drive, and a release button 210. Energy is generated by winding up the spring to a desired power level. Triggering the release button 210 releases the stored energy to rotate the launch shaft 190.
Continuing to refer to
It should be understood that additional elements or characteristics may also trigger during the transformation action described above. For example,
Referring now to
In one example of game play for two or more players, the object is for each player to acquire points by winning rounds of “battle” between vehicles. The first player to obtain a predetermined number of points wins. To start play, each player transforms their vehicle 410 from the first configuration 415 to the second configuration 420. Each player then draws a card with directions, such as setting a spin power level or “power up” level. Each player then powers up their respective launch mechanism 430 and inserts the launch shaft in the cavity. The players simultaneously press the release button 440 on the launch mechanisms 430 to spin and launch the vehicles 410 toward one another for a collision or battle. The collision may trigger one or more of the vehicles 410 to transform from the second configuration 420 to the first configuration 415, or one or more of the vehicles 410 will remain in the second configuration 415. Points are awarded accordingly and the players continue to the next round. A directional card 450 may also be included in game play. This directional card 450 is used to direct the movement of the spinning vehicle 410 by positioning the spinning shaft in a cutout 455 of the directional card 450 to control the movement of the spinning vehicle 410. Cards may also include power up directions, which determine the amount of power a player is allowed to store in the launch mechanism 430. Positioning targets or obstacles (not shown) on the playing surface with different point values further adds options for game play, along with accessories to equip vehicles 410 for improved battle capabilities. Examples of accessories include weapons that removeably attach to the vehicles 410. The player that obtains the predetermined point total wins.
There is a virtually unlimited amount of play patterns that can be included in the game play. The example above is meant to be but one of the many and is not meant to limit the invention in any manner.
In the first embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes a means to transform from a first configuration to a second configuration and to launch the vehicle 10 utilizing a launch mechanism with a power drive system.
Further and in accordance with the first embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes a means to transform a vehicle into a top for spinning.
Additionally, the present invention includes a means to transfer energy from a power drive system in a launch mechanism to a vehicle to spin the vehicle in a top-like manner.
An embodiment of the game includes a means to prompt user interaction with the vehicle and launch mechanism.
From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or inferred.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/307,904 filed Feb. 25, 2010.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61307904 | Feb 2010 | US |