Abstract:
A driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy vehicle is disclosed comprising a radio controlled drive assembly with a frame, two (2) large central wheels, and two (2) small motor driven drive wheels. The large wheels are driven by two (2) independent motors with drive wheels attached which engage the outer perimeter of each large wheel. The drive train and power supply are positioned upon a platform of the frame. Front and rear midpoints of the frame are provided with a finger protrusion to support the vehicle when changing directions or when balance is lost. The wheels are driven independently enabling one (1) wheel to be driven forward while the other one (1) is driven backwards to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a center point. The motors can be driven in a simultaneous manner to propel the vehicle forward or backward. Proportional steering enables the vehicle to turn corners and produce movements that follow curves or arcs.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/322,329 filed Apr. 9, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to remote-controlled, motor-driven toy vehicles, and in particular, to a driving mechanism for a remote-controlled, motor-driven toy vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various attempts have been made to provide driving mechanisms for toy vehicles. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,528, issued in the name of Hanzawa, describes a driving/turnaround device for use with a toy vehicle including a reversible motor, an intermediate gear, and a pair of axles independently provided for right and left driving wheels, and a swing member rotatably mounted to the car body with a pair of switch gears providing stable turnaround of the toy vehicle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,724, issued in the name of Law, describes a steering and drive system for toy vehicles utilizing only a single motor, wherein independent gear trains allow the motor to either rotate all wheels in the same direction to move the vehicle in a straight line or, by reversing the direction of the motor, rotate wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle in opposite directions causing the vehicle to turn. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,070, issued in the name of Wagstaff, describes a two-wheeled toy includes a central housing supported on a rotatable shaft between the wheels, where the shaft extends outwardly from the wheels to prevent the wheels from falling sideways. 
     While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses are difficult to maneuver over rough, uneven surfaces such as gravel or carpeting. Also, many such apparatuses do not provide a desirable range of control for navigating such surfaces. Furthermore, many such apparatuses are not sufficiently resilient against shocks and rocking motion while navigating such surfaces. Accordingly, there exists a need for a driving mechanism for a remote-controlled toy vehicle without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a driving mechanism for a remote-controlled toy vehicle with provisions for navigating rough terrain in a smooth, controlled manner. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a driving mechanism including a pair of large wheels adapted to travel on rough grade such as gravel, carpeting, or the like. The wheels are mounted to a platform which further supports various electrical and mechanical components of the apparatus. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a stabilizing finger located on a lower surface of the platform to prohibit the apparatus from rocking while in motion. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a removably attachable railing for the platform to retain a toy such as a doll or action figure during use. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to attach the wheels to the platform with a wheel brace and a pair of independent axles which enable independent operation of each wheel. The wheels may further include differing visual indicators such that a user can determine from a distance which wheel corresponds to a particular joystick of a remote control. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to operate the wheels with a pair of motor devices, preferably a pair of servo driven wheels. In use, the servo wheels engage a circumferential surface of the wheels and provide a proportional rotational motion to the wheels. Each servo wheel is powered by an independent drive motor. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide control circuitry including minimally a receiver, a microcontroller, a power source, and associated electrical wiring. The power source is preferably a replaceable battery providing additional weight to the rear of the apparatus to enhance stabilization and control during operation. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to mount the drive motors on a pair of rotating members which are hingedly connected to a support beam attached to the platform. The rotating members are further attached to the support beam by a pair of springs which provide flexibility between the wheels and the drive wheels while ensuring that the drive wheels engage the wheels securely during operation. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the platform with an enclosing structure that houses and protects the electrical and mechanical components of the apparatus from debris and impacting forces. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the remote control with a plurality of controls including the joysticks and a plurality of switches. The joysticks control the driving features of the apparatus including forward and backward motion as well as independent left or right turning of each wheel. The switches preferably provide activation and deactivation of the remote control, the frequency of the control, and inversion of the controls. The remote control includes a power source and a transmitter in wireless communication with the receiver of the vehicle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of utilizing the remote control to operate the toy vehicle in a manner that provide controlled, stabile operation over rough surfaces. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of a driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy  10  depicting an enclosing structure  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a remote control  12 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the remote control  12 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is an electrical block diagram of the driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
       
           
           
             
                 10  driving mechanism for a compartment radio-controlled toy 
                 12  remote control 
                 20  first wheel 
                 21  first wheel brace 
                 22  first wheel axle 
                 24  second wheel 
                 25  second wheel brace 
                 26  second wheel axle 
                 30  first drive wheel 
                 31  first drive motor 
                 32  first drive wheel axle 
                 34  second drive wheel axle 
                 35  second drive wheel 
                 36  second drive motor 
                 37  railing 
                 38  leg 
                 39  aperture 
                 40  platform 
                 50  enclosing structure 
                 60  finger 
                 70  first power source 
                 71  first power source 
                 72  driving mechanism activation switch 
                 75  circuitry 
                 76  receiver 
                 80  hinging bearing 
                 81  support beam 
                 85  spring 
                 86  first rotating member 
                 87  second rotating member 
                 88  first pivoting member 
                 89  second pivoting member 
                 90  remote body 
                 91  remote circuitry 
                 92  antenna/transmitter 
                 93   a  first joystick 
                 93   b  second joystick 
                 94   a  first switch 
                 94   b  second switch 
                 94   c  third switch 
                 95  second power source 
                 96  second power source compartment 
                 100  signal 
                 105  electrical wiring 
             
           
         
      
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides enhanced driving features comprising a pair of large wheels  20 ,  24  to enable said apparatus  10  to easily travel on rough grade such as gravel, carpeting, or the like. The apparatus  10  comprises a remote control  12  to enable an operator to manipulate said apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 2 , an exploded perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a rectangular platform  40  which provides a supporting structure to a first wheel  20 , a second wheel  24 , and corresponding electrical and mechanical components. The platform  40  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: wood, plastic, metal, or the like. A front underside portion of the platform  40  comprises a plastic finger  60  which measures approximately half the distance from underside of the platform  40  to the ground surface. The finger  60  is preferably integrally molded to the platform  40 , yet other attachment means may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The finger  60  assists in prohibiting the apparatus  10  from rocking while in motion. Although a single finger  60  is being depicted it is known that a pair may be utilized, one (1) in the front and one (1) in the back, without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . An upper surface of the platform  40  also comprises a removably attachable railing  37  which fences-in an area upon said platform  40  to retain an action figure, doll, or the like to be positioned. The railing  37  includes a plurality of legs  38  which are friction fit into corresponding apertures  39  upon the platform  40  to secure said railing  37  to said platform  40 . The railing  37  and legs  38  are preferably fabricated from a material similar to the platform  40 . 
     Opposing side intermediate surfaces of the platform  40  also comprise a first wheel brace  21  and a second wheel brace  25  which provide an attachment to a respective first wheel  20  and a second wheel  24 . The wheel braces  21 ,  25  are depicted herein as comprising a triangular shape for illustration purposes only it is known that other shapes may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The wheels  20 ,  24  attach to the respective wheel braces  21 ,  25  via a first wheel axle  22  and a second wheel axle  26  which enable each said wheels  20 ,  24  to rotate freely. The wheel braces  21 ,  25  are attached to the platform  40  via fastening means such as, but not limited to: bolts and nuts, interference fitting, integral molding, or the like. The wheel braces  21 ,  25  are fabricated from similar materials as the platform  40 , yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The first wheel  20  and second wheel  24  are considerably large in diameter to provide smooth control of the apparatus  10 . The wheels  20 ,  24  are approximately eight (8) inches in diameter and are preferably a variety of differing colors or patterns which assist the user in controlling the apparatus  10  via a remote control  12  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) by visually indicating which wheel  20 ,  24  corresponds with a desired joystick  93   a ,  93   b . The wheels  20 ,  24  are preferably fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: wood, plastic, or the like and may be further coated with a rubber or other traction enhancing feature which increase the mobility of the apparatus  10 . 
     The drive wheels  30 ,  35  provide a driving means to a first wheel  20  and second wheel  24 , respectively. Said drive wheels  30 ,  35  are preferably conventional servo driven wheels, yet other motor devices may be utilized without limiting the features of the apparatus  10 . In use, as the drive wheels  30 ,  35  are tangentially engaged along a circumferential surface of the respective wheels  20 ,  24  a proportional rotation of said wheels  20 ,  24  enables the apparatus  10  to move along a desired path. The first drive wheel  30  is powered by a first drive motor  31  and the second drive wheel  35  is powered by a second drive motor  36 . The first drive motor  31  and the second drive motor  36  enable the corresponding drive wheels  30 ,  35  to rotate. The first drive motor  31  is engaged with the first drive wheel  30  by a first drive wheel axle  32  and the second drive motor  36  is engaged to the second drive wheel  35  by a second drive wheel axle  34 . Each drive motor  31 ,  36  is interconnected to circuitry  75  and a first power source  70  via appropriately gauged conventional electrical wiring  105 . 
     In use, a current is sent via the electrical wiring  105  from a power source  70  to the circuitry  75  and concurrently to each drive motor  31 ,  36  which enable the drive motors  31 ,  36  to rotate and further rotate the respective drive wheels  30 ,  35  and wheels  20 ,  24 . The circuitry  75  is located within a first power source compartment  71  which is further located upon a top surface of the platform  40  and comprises components such as, but not limited to: a receiver  76 , microcontroller, electrical wiring  105 , or the like (also see  FIG. 6 ). The first power source compartment  71  also comprises a first power source  70  which supplies current to the drive motors  31 ,  36 . The power source  70  preferably comprises an appropriate amount of user replaceable batteries, yet other power sources may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The power source  70  also provides additional weight to the rear of the apparatus  10  which enables additional control to the driving feature. Further the first power source compartment  71  also comprises a driving mechanism activation switch  72  which initiates or ceases power to the drive motors  31 ,  36 . The driving mechanism activation switch  72  is preferably a common toggle switch, yet other devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Attached to an upper front surface of the platform  40  is a support beam  81  which is integrally molded to said platform  40  and enables a hinging attachment to each drive motor  31 ,  36  and attached drive wheels  30 ,  35 . A first pivoting member  88  and a second pivoting member  89  are equally spaced from a centerline of and intermediately fastened to the support beam  81  via a common mechanical fastener  45  such as a bolt, screw, or the like. An opposing end of each pivoting member  88 ,  89  is attached to a respective rotating member  86 ,  87  via a hinging bearing  80  which enables the pivoting members  88 ,  89  to hinge about a respective rotating member  86 ,  87 . The rotating members  86 ,  87  provides a surface for each respective drive motor  31 ,  36  to attach to and provides flexibility between the first wheel  20  and the first drive wheel  30  and the second wheel  24  and the second drive wheel  35 . Attached to each rotating member  86 ,  87  and support beam  81  is a corresponding spring  85  which provides tension to enable that each drive wheel  30 ,  35  is engaged against the respective wheel  20 ,  24  and enables said rotating member  86 ,  87  to change direction when an applied force is present. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an enclosing structure  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Alternately, an upper portion of the platform  40  may comprise an enclosing structure  50  which protects the electrical and mechanical components from debris, blunt force, or other hazards. The enclosing structure  50  is attached to the platform  40  via fastening means such as, but not limited to: interference fitting, screws, or the like, which will provide access to the electrical and mechanical components at an internal portion. The railing  37  is also depicted as being positioned superjacent to the enclosing structure  50  and attached to said enclosing structure  50  similar to the abovementioned attachment. The enclosing structure  50  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: wood, plastic, metal, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a front perspective view of the remote control  12  and  FIG. 5 , a rear perspective view of the remote control  12 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  also comprises a remote control  12  which provides a manual control device to motion or direct the apparatus  10  to a desired area. The remote control  12  comprises a rectangular remote body  90  preferably fabricated from a plastic materials, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The remote body  90  comprises an antenna transmitter  92 , a pair of joysticks  93   a ,  93   b , and a plurality of switches  94   a ,  94   b ,  94   c . The antenna transmitter  92  transmits a desired signal  100  to the receiver  76  upon the apparatus  10  via input from the joysticks  93   a ,  93   b  and switches  94   a ,  94   b ,  94   c  (also see  FIG. 6 ). The joysticks  93   a ,  93   b  control the driving features of the apparatus  10  such as, but not limited to: a forward motion, a backward motion, a right turn, and a left turn of each wheel  20 ,  24 . A first joystick  93   a  drives the first drive motor  31  and a second joystick  93   b  drives a second drive motor  36 , independently from each other which enable the wheels  20 ,  24  to drive in opposite directions if desired. The first switch  94   a  preferably controls the activation of the remote control  12 , the second switch  94   b  preferably controls the frequency of the remote control  12  and, the third switch  94   c  preferably inverts the controls. The switches  94   a ,  94   b ,  94   c  are preferably electrical switching devices such as, but not limited to: pushbuttons, slide switches, toggle switches, or the like. The antenna transmitter  92 , joysticks  93   a ,  93   b , and switches  94   a ,  94   b ,  94   c  are managed via a plurality of remote circuitry  91  which may comprise a integrated circuit to control the functions and relay the signal  100  to the receiver  76 . A rear surface of the remote control  12  comprises a second power source compartment  96  which encloses a second power source  95 . The second power source compartment  96  is preferably removed in conventional manners to access the second power source  95  as desired. The second power source  95  is preferably a common user replaceable battery, yet other sources may be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an electrical block diagram depicting the major electrical components of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The first power source  70  sends current to the driving mechanism activation switch  72  when, once activated, sends current to the circuitry  75 , receiver  76 , and drive motors  31 ,  36 . The receiver  76  accepts a signal  100  from the remote control  12 , which enables said remote control  12  to direct the actions of the apparatus  10  via the joysticks  93   a ,  93   b . The remote control  12  comprises a plurality of remote circuitry  91 , a pair of joysticks  93   a ,  93   b , a plurality of switches  94   a ,  94   b ,  94   c , and a second power source  95  enclosed within the remote body  90 . The joysticks  93   a ,  93   b  are conventional digit-operated pivoting devices utilized as directional controlling means. Current is sent from the second power source  95  to the remote circuitry  91  and corresponding joysticks  93   a ,  93   b  and switches  94   a ,  94   b ,  94   c  that which transmit the signal  100  to the receiver  76  which advise the apparatus  10  to move in a desired path. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; positioning the remote control  12  in an on position via a first switch  94   a ; positioning the apparatus  10  to an on position via the driving mechanism activation switch  72 ; setting a desired setting upon the remote control  12  via the switches  94   b ,  94   c ; moving a desired one (1) of the first joystick  93   a  or second joystick  93   b  in a desired direction, thereby sending a signal  100  via the antenna/transmitter  92  to the receiver  76 ; allowing a current to be sent from the first power source  70  to the motors  31 ,  36 , thereby driving the drive wheels  30 ,  35  and correspondingly driving the wheels  20 ,  24  in a desired path; and, utilizing the larger diameter wheels  20 ,  24  to allow the apparatus  10  to easily travel on desired surfaces in a are functional and fun manner. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.