Abstract:
A model racing toy including a convertible model transport vehicle, a model vehicle and model vehicle accessories. The model transport vehicle may be converted by means of a push button or other such device into a model racing pit stop. The convertible transport includes a storable deployment ramp which is ejected when the conversion button is pressed, allowing the model vehicle to move from an exemplary position atop the model transport vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with activation points, motors and a speaker. The activation points compose a variety of different switches, designed to resemble vehicle parts. When a specific activation point is activated, it triggers a series of actions by the motors and speaker, prompting the user to make certain repairs. The successful making of repairs activates other activation points, which provide affirming messages and vehicle motion to simulate the continuance of a race after repair has been made.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of model vehicle toys. More particularly, the invention relates to a model race car with a convertible transport configured to simulate a racing team environment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Children enjoy model vehicles, the excitement of a race and the opportunity to play with mechanically-oriented toys. Furthermore, playing with spatially and mechanically challenging toys has been found to stimulate cognitive abilities. The present invention therefore attempts to combine the excitement of car racing with the mechanical challenge of vehicle repair in the form of a toy for children. 
     A multitude of model vehicle toys have been produced since the invention of vehicles themselves. Most of these have been limited to simple models of the outward appearance of the vehicle. A few more recent toys have had some level of interactivity, including motion and sound, produced on command from the user. Other vehicular toys have shown conversion capabilities, such as for example, trucks that can unfold into robots and vehicles that can be hidden inside other vehicles. Still other toys give children an opportunity to create things with their hands, thereby stimulating creative learning and providing enjoyment for the child. Some of these toys have also involved repairing mechanical devices. No toy, however, has provided an atmosphere where the child&#39;s contributions lead to success in an exciting team racing environment. 
     The present invention seeks to combine an interactive race car model toy with a convertible transport carrier, while at the same time providing a simulated race and racing team environment. This system also challenges the child to make simple repairs under time pressure. The toy is especially advantageous in that the child sees the fruits of his or her labors when a repaired racing vehicle re-enters a race. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved toy which challenges a child to achieve a specific goal through creative interaction. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a toy that stimulates learning. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a toy that captures the excitement of a race and a racing team environment. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a toy that allows children to make simplified repairs to a racing vehicle resulting in resuming the race. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a toy that can simulate a variety of vehicle malfunctions and instruct the child on which defect to repair. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide accessories to the racing vehicle that make simulated repairs more realistic. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transport vehicle which can be quickly converted to a racing pit stop. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide vehicles and accessories that prompt a child to make repairs to a racing vehicle, encourage the child through audible cues and vehicle motion and to provide excitement during play. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a model racing toy includes a convertible model transport vehicle, a model vehicle and model vehicle accessories. The model transport vehicle can be converted by means of a push button or other such device into a model racing pit stop. In one preferred embodiment, the convertible transport also contains a storable deployment ramp which is ejected when the conversion button is pressed, allowing the model vehicle to move from a position atop the model transport vehicle. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a model vehicle is equipped with activation points, motors and a speaker. The activation points comprise a variety of different switches which are designed to resemble actual vehicle parts. When a specific activation commences, and an activation point is actuated, a series of actions are triggered via the motors and speaker, prompting the user to make certain repairs. In a successful repair other activation points are actuated, which provide affirming messages to the child and vehicle motion simulates the continuance of a race after the repair has been made. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment, showing a model vehicle being carried by a model transport vehicle; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment, showing a model vehicle deploying from the transport vehicle and a deployed repair compartment; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a model vehicle of a preferred embodiment, showing detachable model vehicle accessories; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view along the  4 — 4  axis shown in FIG. 1, showing the interior of a model transport vehicle of a preferred embodiment; 
     FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view along the  5 — 5  axis shown in FIG. 4, showing detail of a model transport vehicle conversion mechanism of a preferred embodiment; 
     FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view along the  6 — 6  axis shown in FIG. 3, showing interior detail of a model vehicle of a preferred embodiment; and 
     FIG. 7 is logical circuit diagram, showing an exemplary circuit of a model vehicle of a preferred embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A model toy racing set  20  constructed in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG.  1 . Model vehicle  24  is positioned atop model transport vehicle  28 , in an exemplary transport position, held in place by transport wing  36  and wheel barrier  32 , which is best shown in FIG.  2 . Racing pit door  40  is shown in its closed position in FIG.  1 . As shown in FIG. 2, activation of functionalities and conversion of the model transport vehicle  28  can be accomplished by pressing push button  44 , which causes the downward opening of racing pit door  32  by rotation around pit door hinge  48 . Deployment ramp  52  is also deployed by the activation of the push button  44 , sliding out from the interior of the transport vehicle  28 . The deployment ramp  52  serves to allow the model vehicle  24  to move from the surrounding ground  56  to its exemplary transport position atop model transport  28  in a smooth rolling motion, that is, as a real vehicle might move. 
     FIG. 2 also shows a number of various model vehicle accessories  60  located behind racing pit door  40  that appear upon pressing push button  44 , which may be used with this embodiment. The model vehicle accessories  60  shown in FIG. 2 can include, for example, model spare tires  64 , model replacement engine  88 , model gas can  72 , model headlights  93  and  95  and model hex-wrench  76 . In the present embodiment, the model vehicle accessories  60  are coupled to various attachment points (not shown). In this preferred embodiment, attachment is accomplished by a plastic peg attachment point that fits into a corresponding hole in each model vehicle accessory. Numerous such attachment schemes, however, are possible and will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art. 
     FIG. 3 further illustrates the model vehicle  24  and the various model vehicle accessories  60 . Model vehicle wing  80  can be removed by loosening hex bolt  84 , which can be accomplished with hex-wrench  76  (shown in FIG.  2 ). The model replacement engine  88  can be removed by lifting model vehicle hood  92  by means of hood catch  96 , and pulling the replacement engine  88  from within the engine compartment (not shown). The replacement engine  88  can be attached through the above described attachment scheme used with the model vehicle accessories  60 . In this embodiment, model vehicle front tires  100  can be removed by loosening the hex bolt  104 , by means of the hex wrench  76  (shown in FIG.  2 ). 
     FIG. 3 also shows model activation points  108 ,  112 ,  116 ,  120 ,  124  and  125  of the model vehicle  24  of the present embodiment. These various activation points, which also may be referred to as part of overall activation systems, can be activated by the user to invoke functions of the model vehicle  24 . For example, the model vehicle activation points  108 ,  112  and  116  are buttons, which can be depressed. The activation points  120  and  124  are hex bolt sensors which are activated by the loosening of the hex bolts  84  and  104 , respectively. The model vehicle  24  can also have activation points  125  for the headlights  93  and  95 , respectively. Another activation point  126  present in the interior of the model vehicle hood space is activated by the removal of the replacement engine  88 . In one embodiment of the invention, activation points  120  and  124  resemble actual vehicle components, but it is also possible to have such points resemble other items or to resemble words that describe the component that is supposed to be manipulated by the user. Numerous types of such activation points are possible and will be readily ascertainable to those of skill in the art. 
     FIG. 4 shows an interior vertical cross section of the transport vehicle  28 , along the  4 — 4  axis as shown in FIG.  1 . The push button  44  serves as a means to initiate the conversion from a transport vehicle to a racing pit environment (see FIGS. 1 and 2 for reference). The function of push button  44  could be accomplished by any of a variety of means ascertainable to those of skill in the art, including levers, retractable buttons, dials, slideable blocks, pins, wheels, rods, pulleys. Electronic or motor means are also possible. In this embodiment, depressing the push button  44  forces pin  132  downward, in turn deforming member  136 . Deformation of member  136  causes catch  140  to disengage, thus allowing the release of spring  144 . The spring  144  is an example of an actuating device, which may be used in conjunction with the embodiments to facilitate conversion to a model racing pit. Other actuating devices can include, for example, a deformed rod or member with good elastic memory, a motor or a chemical or electrochemically expansive material. The spring  144  thus releases and expands against interior horizontal edge  148  of the deployment ramp  52 , shown in its fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the deployment ramp  52  is completely within the model transport vehicle  28 , such that only the exterior angled edge  152  of the deployment ramp  52  is visible. The deployment ramp  52  is slideably attached to deployment ramp exit cuff  156  of the model transport vehicle  28 , and through the release of the spring  144 , is forcibly ejected through the exit cuff  156 . Stop  160  serves to prevent the deployment ramp  52  from becoming detached from the transport vehicle  28  upon conversion, by breaking against another stop  164 . As the deployment ramp  52  exits the transport vehicle  28 , gravity pulls the leading edge downward, causing the deployment ramp  52  to rotate outward and into the fully open position shown in FIG.  2 . When the deployment ramp  52  is in its fully open position (as shown in FIG.  2 ), it may be reset to its fully closed position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) by pressing on the exterior angled edge  152  until the interior horizontal edge  148  recompresses the spring  144  and the catch  140  re-engages. The catch  168  is a minimal friction catch, serving to hold the deployment ramp  52  in place against the force of gravity should the transport vehicle  28  be lifted and rotated. 
     FIG. 5 shows a vertical cross section of the transport vehicle  28 , taken along the  5 — 5  axis shown in FIG.  4 . When the push button  44  is pressed, the deforming member  136  presses on hinged bar member  172 , which rotates in the direction of the arrows, working against spring  176 . This action serves to release catch  180 . Hinge  184  is placed slightly to the interior of the racing pit door  40 , allowing weight on the interior side of the racing pit door  40  to produce an opening torque around hinge  184 . 
     FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross section taken along the  6 — 6  axis as shown in FIG. 3 of the model vehicle  24 . Switch  188  is an on-off-demo switch, serving as the primary power connection switch. The activation points  108  and  112  are “race begin” and “repair begin” switches, respectively. These activation points  108  and  112  are shown as button devices in the preferred embodiment. The activation point  116  is a refuel switch, also shown as a button. The activation point  120  is the stabilizing wing switch, shown as a hex-bolt release detector. This wing switch closes when the stabilizing wing hex bolt  84  has been loosened to a sufficient degree. The activation points  124  are wheel bolt switches, shown as a hex bolt release detectors, which close when wheel hex bolts  104  are loosened to a sufficient degree directly over the activation point  124 . An activation point  126  for the engine switch is closed when the engine is sufficiently loosened from its attachment points. The activation points of the present embodiment have been designated to simulate vehicle components. For example, the activation points  120  and  124  appear from the outside to be actual bolts. The activation point  116  appears in the position where a vehicle&#39;s fuel tank opening would normally appear. The activation point for the engine is not visible, being located underneath the model vehicle replacement engine  88 . 
     Also shown in FIG. 6 are a number of mechanisms for the physical operation of the model vehicle  24  of the present embodiment. Actuating motor  188  serves to provide drive to rear wheels  191  (see FIG. 3) when activated. Actuator  192  as shown in FIG. 6 serves to provide vibrations to the model vehicle  24 , simulating the vibration of a gasoline engine. Speaker  196  is used to generate race car sounds, such as engine idling, engine revving, gear shifting, engine malfunction, tire skidding and driver instructions. Circuit board  200  controls the logical flow of these operations and regulates voltage to mechanisms  188 ,  192  and  196 . Further details will be provided hereinafter. 
     The mechanisms  188 ,  192  and  196  are employed when the user activates, for example, one of the activation points  108 ,  112 ,  116 ,  120  and  124 . When activation occurs, for example, pressing the button  108 , the present embodiment performs a series of functions: the race begin switch causes the speaker mechanism  196  to emit engine revving sounds, the mechanism  192  emits vibrations, and after a short delay, the actuating motor mechanism  188  provides drive to the rear wheels  191 . Pressing the activation point  112  (the repair begins switch) causes speaker mechanism  196  to emit high RPM engine noises, followed by one of four malfunction noises corresponding to engine failure, empty fuel tank, loose stabilizing wing or flat front tires. The driver&#39;s voice then instructs the user to return to the pit to make suitable repairs. It will be understood that other malfunction noises and responses can be implemented in other embodiments. 
     In the case of engine failure, the user must remove the replacement engine  88  to a sufficient extent to activate an engine activation point (the engine switch). In case of an empty fuel tank, the user must actuate the activation button  116 , preferably using the model gas can  72 . If the tires are flat, the user must loosen the hex bolt  104 , preferably using the hex wrench  76 , to such an extent that the activation points  124  and  131  (the tire switches) are activated. If the vehicle wing  80  is loose, the user must loosen stabilizing the wing hex bolt  84  to such an extent that the activation point  120  (the stabilizing wing switch) is activated. If the user performs the correct operation successfully, the driver speaks an encouraging message, and motor mechanism  188  is activated, causing the model vehicle  24  to move, according to engine acceleration sounds provided through speaker device  196 . If the user fails to make the correct repair within a certain time period, the driver speaks a warm but failure message, and the sequence is reset Of course, any imaginable variety of activation switches and accompanying functionalities can be used, according to the functions desired to be simulated by the manufacturer. 
     FIG. 7 is a logical diagram of an exemplary circuit board  200  of the preferred embodiment. This is in addition to connections to the various devices  108 ,  112 ,  116 ,  120 ,  124 ,  188 ,  192 ,  196 , and the like which are to be found in the logical presentation of circuit board  200 , but are not entirely physically located on circuit board  200 . The diagram of FIG. 7 can be roughly divided into four subcircuits. Subcircuit  204  consists of an integrated circuit, which provides memory and processing for pre-programmed functions via execution of one or more programs stored in memory. The subcircuit  204  includes a microcontroller  230  for processing the various signals in the system. In one embodiment of the invention, the microcontroller  230  is a W562S0 microcontroller, produced by Winbond Electronics Corp. It is possible, however, for other brands and varieties of microcontrollers to be used. Such chips are readily available, and can also be manufactured by those of ordinary skill in the art to a manufacturer&#39;s specification. 
     Subcircuit  204  provides episodic voltage control through various transistors to the three other subcircuits, depending on the state of inputs  208 ,  212 ,  216 ,  220 ,  224 , and  231  (corresponding to the actuation of the activation points  108 ,  112 ,  116 ,  120 ,  124 , and  131 , respectively). Subcircuit  214  supplies current and provides cycle control for the speaker device  196 . Subcircuit  218  periodically supplies current to the actuating motor device  188  depending on the output of the subcircuit  204 . Subcircuit  222  provides current to actuator  192  to induce vibration. 
     While exemplary embodiments have been described and illustrated, numerous departures therefrom can be contemplated by persons skilled in the art. For example, the model vehicle might include a pre-programmed race course or a variety of different repair features. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description but only by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.