Toy vehicles having interchangeable body styles

A child-sized toy vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis upon which any number of a plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules may be removably secured. The various vehicle body module styles may be comprised of separate body module sections such as a front body module, a rear body module, a left side body module, and a right side body module. In addition, body modules from different body styles may be attached to the same vehicle chassis such that a hybrid vehicle is produced.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to child-sized toy vehicles. More particularly, this invention relates to a child-sized toy vehicle having a plurality of interchangeable body styles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current child-sized toy vehicles come in a variety of different models, which are typically targeted to children of different age ranges. For example, a foot-to-floor toy vehicle is a model which is typically intended for children in the age range of 12-36 months. Foot-to-floor vehicles are propelled when a child, seated on the vehicle, pushes his or her foot against the ground. A pedal toy vehicle is a model which is typically intended for children in the age range of 2-7 years. Pedal vehicles are powered by manually rotating foot pedals which are attached to a transmission unit attached to the axle of the vehicle. An electric toy vehicle is a model which is typically intended for children in the age range of 3-7 years. Electric vehicles are powered by activating an electronic transmission unit which rotates an axle of the vehicle. A gas-powered toy vehicle is a model which is typically intended for children in the age range of 6-11 years. Gas-powered toy vehicles are powered by a gas powered transmission unit which rotates an axle of the vehicle.

Each of the above described models can be produced in a variety of different sizes, shapes, colors and body styles. For example, some toy vehicle makers have produced toy vehicles which resemble various different body styles, such as sports cars, trucks or Jeeps®. However, these toy vehicles do not allow for the interchangeability of body styles, such that one toy vehicle can be assembled, for example with sports car components and later disassembled and replaced with truck components, or assembled as a hybrid vehicle, for instance, having a sports car front end and engine, but a truck rear end and tires.

Children in the intended age range of these toy vehicles can have short attention spans and become bored with individual toys rather quickly. As a result, producing a toy vehicle having interchangeable body styles allows a child to use his or her own creative abilities to transform the toy vehicle according to the child's whimsical desires.

Consequently, an improved child-sized toy vehicle is needed to address the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above-referenced problems by providing a child-sized toy vehicle, such as a foot-to-floor vehicle, a pedal vehicle, an electric vehicle or a gas-powered vehicle, having interchangeable body styles. Specifically, the toy vehicle of the present invention comprises a vehicle chassis upon which any number of a plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules may be removably secured. In an alternative embodiment, each of the various vehicle body module styles is comprised of separate body module sections such as a front body module, a rear body module, a left side body module, and a right side body module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A child-sized toy vehicle10having interchangeable body styles is shown in FIG.1. The vehicle10comprises a vehicle chassis12upon which any number of a plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules, such as vehicle body module14, may be removably secured. The vehicle body module14for each of the different body styles can be comprised of a single body module, or any number of separate interchangeable body modules which, in combination, form a vehicle body module14having a specific body style. For instance, the vehicle body module14may be comprised of a front body module and a rear body module which, in combination, form a vehicle body module14having specific body style, or as is depicted inFIG. 3A, the vehicle body module14may be comprised of a front body module16, a rear body module18, a left side body module20and a right side body module22, which in this case, may be combined to form a vehicle body module14which resembles a sports car body style. In addition, for each body style additional accessories may be added to the vehicle10to give it a more realistic appearance of the body style to which it is intended to depict. Example accessories include, for instance, various shapes, sizes and styles of tires, wheel covers, grills, exhaust pipes, side mirrors, spoilers, engine components, etc.

The toy vehicle10can be made in a variety of different models, for example a foot-to-floor toy vehicle model, a pedal toy vehicle model, an electric toy vehicle model, and a gas powered toy vehicle model. Each of these models is targeted to children of a specific age ranges, and each of these models comprises interchangeable body modules which may be designed such that a child of reasonable knowledge, skill and dexterity for the intended age group of each model can interchange the vehicle body module14and vehicle accessories without assistance from others.

FIGS. 1-4show embodiments of a foot-to-floor toy vehicle model. This model is intended for children between the ages of 12 months and 36 months.FIG. 1shows an embodiment of the vehicle chassis12for the foot-to-floor model. The vehicle chassis12includes features and sites for attaching a steering column24, a front axle assembly26and a rear axle assembly28. In the alternative, any or each of these components can be integrally formed to the vehicle chassis12. The vehicle chassis12can contain an aperture21for housing the steering column24. The steering column extends both above the chassis12for attachment to a steering wheel30and below the chassis12for attachment to the front axle assembly26. The steering column attaches to the front axle assembly26, for instance, utilizing a hook32which causes the front assembly26to rotate upon a rotation of the steering wheel30. Since the intended user for this toy vehicle model is a child in the range of 12 to 36 months, the steering wheel30acan be a T-bar steering wheel30a. For very young children, the T-bar steering wheel30ais easier to manipulate than the more traditional round steering wheel, such as steering wheel30. The front axle assembly26can further be secured to the chassis12utilizing screws34or other appropriate securing mechanisms.

The rear axle assembly28may also be attached to the chassis12using an appropriate securing mechanism such as screws36. In addition, the rear axle28may include a spring assembly35which can be used to adjustably position a height of a rear portion of the chassis12. For example, the spring assembly35may comprise a screw33, such as a T-bolt, which may be secured to the chassis12and extend through a rear axle opening40, such as a slot. A spring38may be disposed between the chassis12and the rear axle28, such that the spring38encases the screw33when the screw33is extended through the rear axle opening40. An adjustment knob37, may form a threaded coupling with the screw33, such that threading the adjustment knob37into the screw33compresses the spring38. The chassis12can be positioned level with a riding surface when the adjustment knob37is threaded to a stopping point on the screw33. The chassis12can also be positioned in a raised rear position, to resemble the inclining body of a hot rod for example, by loosening the adjustment knob37such that the spring38is allowed to expand and force the chassis12in an upward direction, away from the rear axle28. With each successive loosening rotation of the adjustment knob37, the chassis12is raised to a higher raised rear position. The rear axle28or a rear portion of the chassis12may additionally be equipped with an aperture46which mates with an insertion end48of a push handle50to form a releasable coupling. For example, the insertion end48of the push handle50can contain a groove or an opening which mates with a spring forced lever arm which is disposed within the aperture46to form a snap fit coupling. When held in this snap fit coupling, the handle50can be used by a parent or other person, to push or pull a child who is riding in the vehicle10. Alternatively, the insertion end48of the handle50can be releasably press fit into the aperture46.

The chassis12may also include an integrally hinged, or otherwise releasable seat42. A storage compartment44or multiple storage compartments may be accessed by opening the seat42. The storage compartment44can be used to store snacks, small toys, vehicle accessories or tools, among other things.

FIGS. 2A-2Ishow a variety of ways in which the vehicle body module14may be removably secured to the vehicle chassis12. However, it should be noted that when the body module14is comprised of separate sections, for example as inFIG. 3Awhere the body module14is comprised of front, rear, and side body modules16,18,20, and22, that each of the body modules16,18,20, and22can be individually secured to the vehicle chassis12in the same manner as is illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2Ifor the body module14.

FIGS. 2A-2Eshow exemplary press fit coupling arrangements between the body module14and the chassis12which are appropriate for ease in assembly and disassembly by a child of age 12 to 36 months. For exampleFIG. 2Ashows a body module that comprises mounting bosses17which press fit into chassis pins19to form easily attachable and removable LEGO®-style couplings. The mounting bosses17and pins19may be round (as shown) square, rectangular, ovular, or any other shape appropriate for a press fit coupling.

The body module14, or body modules (in the case where the body module14comprises separate body modules such as front, rear and side modules16,18,20, and22) may be additionally secured to the chassis12utilizing a hinged plug52. For instance, in one embodiment, the chassis12contains a slot54into which the mounting portion55of the hinged plug52fits. The body module14, in turn, comprises a rotatable female plug57which forms a rotatable press fit coupling with the hinged plug52. When such an arrangement is utilized on the front body module16, the female plug57of the front body module16may be secured to the hinged plug52of the chassis12while a back portion of the front body module16is rotated away from the chassis12to simulate the motion of an opening of a hood of a typical adult-sized vehicle. Rotating the front body module16away from the chassis12allows an attachment site41(shown inFIG. 1) to be accessible for an attachment of an engine43(shown in FIG.1), or another vehicle accessory. The hinged plug52and the rotatable female plug57may similarly be used to rotatably secure the rear body module18to the chassis12. In the same manner as is described above, the rear body module18can be rotated away from the vehicle chassis12to expose an attachment site, in this case attachment site45(shown in FIG.1), wherein the engine43(shown inFIG. 1) or another vehicle accessory may be attached.

In an alternative embodiment, the chassis12may comprise slider pins58which mate with openings59in the body module14. When the body module14is placed on top of the chassis12, the slider pins58can be extended through the body module openings59such that the body module14is rotatably coupled to the chassis12.

FIGS. 2Bshows another exemplary press fit coupling arrangement between the body module14and the chassis12. In this example, the body module14may comprise a strip100which couples to a pad101on the chassis. In one example the strip100is a magnetic strip and the pad101is a metallic pad, such that a magnetic coupling may be formed. In another example, the strip100comprises Velcro® hooks and the pad101comprises Velcro® loops, such that a Velcro® coupling may be formed. In yet another example, the strip100comprises a rail which protrudes from a surface of the body module14and the pad101comprises a slot or a groove into which the rail may be inserted. The rail may reside relatively loosely in the slot or groove or it may be press or snap fit into the slot or groove.

FIG. 2Cshows a press fit coupling arrangement between the body module14and the chassis12, wherein an inner surface105of the body module14comprises a plurality of knobs103and an outer surface106of the chassis12comprises a plurality of mating openings104, such as apertures, slots, or grooves. To form this coupling arrangement, the body module14is placed above the chassis12and lowered until the knobs103mate with the mating openings104which secure the knobs103to the chassis12. As the body module14is lowered, the chassis12compresses the knobs103until the knobs103reach the openings104, at which time the knobs103decompress and form couplings with the mating openings104. In the alternative, the knobs103can be semi-rigid and the chassis12can be formed of a flexible material such that when the body module14is lowered the knobs103compress the chassis12until the knobs103mate with the openings104, at which time the chassis12decompresses to return to its previous form.

FIG. 2Dshows a press fit coupling arrangement between the body module14and the chassis12, wherein the body module14comprises a plurality a pins107and the chassis12comprises a plurality of spring assemblies111which mate with the pins107. The spring assemblies111comprise a pair of spring loaded roller arms116which are biased towards each other. When one of the pins107is inserted into one of the spring assemblies111, the pin107forces the roller arms116apart such that the roller arms116trace the perimeter of the pin107. The pin107comprises a pin head108which is wider than the pin base109, such that after the wide pin head108has been inserted into the spring assembly111, the roller arms116form around the narrower pin base109to releasably trap the pin head108within the assembly111, thus securing the body module14to the chassis12.

FIG. 2Eshows a press fit coupling arrangement between the body module14and the chassis12, wherein the body module14comprises a spring148, and the chassis12comprises an opening149which mates with the spring148. For example, the spring148may comprise spring arms150that are biased away from each other and have head portions151that widen. When the spring148is inserted into the chassis opening149, the wide head portions151of the spring148are compressed towards each other by the walls of the chassis opening149. When the head portions151of the spring148have extended beyond the chassis opening149, the spring arms150spring back to their original positions such that the head portions151of the spring148are coupled to the end of the chassis opening149which acts as a shoulder to secure the head portions151of the spring148to the chassis12, thus securing the body module14to the chassis12.

FIGS. 2F-2Ishow exemplary releasable interlocking coupling arrangements between the body module14and the chassis12which may require more skill and hand dexterity than is typically acquired by a child of age 12 to 36 months. Nevertheless, these arrangements are also contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 2Fshows an interlocking coupling arrangement between the body module14and the chassis12, wherein the body module14comprises an arm152having a rotatable head153and the chassis12comprises an opening154which mates with the arm152. The arm152may be inserted unto the chassis opening154such that the arm head152extends beyond the chassis opening154. The arm head152may then be rotated such that the end of the chassis opening154acts as a shoulder to secure the arm152to the chassis12, thus securing the body module14to the chassis12.

FIG. 2Falso shows an alternative interlocking coupling arrangement wherein the body module14comprises a hook155and the chassis12comprises a latching mechanism156and a chassis opening157through which the hook155may be inserted. The latching mechanism156may comprise a lever arm158and a latch159pivotally secured to the lever arm158by a pin160. When the hook155has been inserted into the chassis opening157, the latch159may be positioned around the hook155and the lever arm158may be pivoted away from the latch159to tighten the latch159around the hook155, thus securing the body module14to the chassis12.

FIG. 2Gshows an interlocking coupling arrangement between the body module14and the chassis12, wherein the body module14comprises a pin118and the chassis12comprises a latching mechanism119. The latching mechanism119may comprise an arm120, a handle122and a housing123. The handle122may be attached to the arm120such that a movement of the handle122causes the arm120to move within the housing123. The handle122may be interlocked with the housing123in either a unlocked position124or a locked position125. When the pin118is inserted into a chassis opening121, the arm120may be inserted into a pin opening126by moving the handle122from the unlocked position124to the locked position125. As a result, the arm120secures the pin118and thus the body module14to the chassis12.

FIG. 2Galso shows an alternative interlocking coupling arrangement wherein a spring loaded arm127is coupled to the chassis12. In this example, the spring loaded arm127may be biased in a direction towards the chassis opening121. A handle128on the arm127can be used to force the arm127away from the chassis opening121such that the pin118can be inserted into the chassis opening121such that the pin opening126is extended beyond the chassis opening121. Once in this position, the handle128can be released to allow the arm127to be inserted into the pin opening126to secure the body module14to the chassis12.

FIG. 2Hshows an interlocking coupling arrangement between the body module14and the chassis12, wherein the body module14comprises a pin129and the chassis12comprises an opening130. The pin129comprises one or more knobs131and the chassis opening130widens to form shoulders132. When the pin129is inserted into the chassis opening130, the walls of the chassis opening130compress the knobs131until the knobs131reach the shoulders132, at which time the knobs decompress and form couplings with the shoulders132, thus securing the body module14to the chassis12. In the alternative, the knobs131are semi-rigid and the walls of the chassis opening130are made of a flexible material such that when the knobs are inserted into the chassis opening130, the walls of the chassis opening130flex away from the knobs131and snap back to position when the knobs131reach the shoulders132.

Also shown inFIG. 2His an interlocking coupling arrangement between the body module14and the chassis12wherein the body module14comprises a pin133having an opening134, and the chassis12comprises an arm135having a turning knob136. The arm135may comprise a locked position and an unlocked position. When the arm135is in the unlocked position, it may be inserted into and travel through the pin opening134until the arm135reaches a shoulder area137. When the arm135is in the shoulder area137, the turning knob136can be rotated to the locked position, which in turn rotates the arm135into a position against the shoulder area137, thus securing the body module14to the chassis12.

FIG. 2Ishows an interlocking coupling arrangement between the body module14and the chassis12, wherein the body module14comprises a pin138having a pin opening139and the chassis12comprises a hook assembly140having a hook141which may be pivotally secured to the chassis12such that the hook141may be positioned in a locked position and an unlocked position. For example, the hooking assembly140may comprise a turning knob142, such that when the pin138is inserted into a chassis opening143the turning knob142can be rotated to move the hook141from its unlocked position into its locked position. In the locked position, the hook141engages the pin opening139, thus securing the body module14to the chassis12.

Also shown inFIG. 2Iis an interlocking coupling arrangement between the body module14and the chassis12wherein the chassis12comprises a closed hook assembly144. The closed hook assembly144may comprise a lever arm145, a handle146, and a hook147. The level arm may be biased in the direction towards the hook147, such that a closed hook is formed. The handle146may be moved in a direction away from the hook147to force the lever arm145into an opened hook position. When the pin138is inserted into the chassis opening143, and the lever arm145is in the open hook position, the hook147may be positioned interlockingly with the pin opening139, the handle146can then be released to place the lever arm145in the closed hook position such that the body module14is secured to the chassis12.

FIG. 3Ashows one of the plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules, vehicle body module14. In this case the vehicle body module14resembles a sports car. In this example, the vehicle body module14is comprised of four separate module sections, the front body module16, the rear body module18, the left side body module20and the right side body module22. The body modules16,18,20, and22may be attached to the vehicle chassis12by any of the means described inFIGS. 2A-2I.

In addition to the front, rear, left and right side body modules16,18,20and22ofFIG. 3A, all of which resemble a sports car, other sports car accessories may be interchangeably added to the vehicle10to produce a vehicle that even more closely resembles that of a typical adult-sized sports vehicle. Example accessories include, a variety of wheel covers, such as sporty wheel cover70, a sporty steering wheel72, a backrest73, a rear spoiler74, racing tires68, and an exhaust pipe64, among other accessories. These additional sports car accessories may be attached to either the chassis12or body module16,18,20, or22by any of the methods described inFIGS. 2A-2I.

In addition, the front body module16may comprise an opening76out of which the engine43(shown inFIG. 1) may protrude. The rear body module18may also comprise an opening77out of which the engine43may protrude. Referring back toFIG. 1, the engine43may be attached to either a front portion of the chassis12at attachment site41or to a rear portion of the chassis12at attachment site45. Additional engine components may be attached to the engine43to form various engine styles. For instance, engine components47and49may be attached to the engine43to form a racing style engine assembly, or engine components51and53can be combined to form a high performance engine assembly. The engine components43,47,49,51and53can be interchangeably attached both to each other and to the attachment sites41and45by any of the methods ofFIGS. 2A-2I.

The left and right side body modules20and22may comprise adjacently positioned attachment mechanisms which are of a different shape, size or style to prevent the side modules20and22from being assembled up-side-down or backward onto the chassis12. For example, referring toFIGS. 1 and 3A, the side body modules20and22may comprises pegs or similar structures which have different shapes, such as a square peg56and a round peg58which press fit into a square aperture60and a round aperture62, respectively, in the chassis12. Although pegs have been described, any of the attachment mechanisms described inFIGS. 2A-2Ican be adjacently positioned on the left or right side body module20or22to prevent an incorrect assembly of the modules20and22onto the chassis12, as long as the attachment mechanisms used are of a different shape, size or style. An example embodiment of an assembled foot-to-floor vehicle is shown inFIG. 3B, in this case the foot-to-floor vehicle resembles a sports car.

FIG. 4shows another of the plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules, vehicle body module14. In this case the vehicle body module14resembles a truck. In this example, the vehicle body module14is comprised of four separate module sections, a front body module16a, a rear body module18a, a left side body module20aand a right side body module22a. The truck body modules16a,18a,20a, and22amay be assembled onto and disassembled from the vehicle chassis12in the same manner as is described above for the sports car body modules16,18,20, and22. As a result, if for example a sports car has been assembled as described above, but is no longer desired, the sports car body modules16,18,20, and22as well as any other sports car accessories can be disassembled and replaced by the truck body modules16a,18a,20a, and22aand truck accessories such that the toy vehicle10is completely transformed from a toy vehicle10which resembles a sports car to a toy vehicle10which resembles a truck.

Alternatively, some of the sports car body modules16,18,20, and22and sports car accessories can remain assembled while other sports car body modules16,18,20, and22and sports car accessories are disassembled and replaced by truck body modules16a,18a,20a, and22aand other truck accessories, such that a hybrid car is produced. For example, the sports car rear body module18can be removed from the chassis12and replaced with the truck rear body module18asuch that a sports car with a truck bed is produced. In addition, a hybrid vehicle can be comprised of any other combination of sports car components and truck components. Also, any combination of any of the plurality of stylistically different body modules and vehicle accessories can be attached to the same vehicle chassis12to form a wide range of hybrid vehicles.

The truck front body module16amay comprise an opening78out of which engine components43,47,49,51and/or53may protrude. In addition, truck front body module16amay comprise attachment sites wherein one of a plurality of stylistically different interchangeable grills80and81may be attached. The truck rear body module18amay resemble a pickup truck bed, and may comprise a rotatable tailgate82which has an opened position and a closed position. The truck rear body module18amay also contain slots83which mate with stake bed plugs84to attach a stake bed85to the rear body module18a.

FIG. 4also shows other truck components which may be interchangeably added to the toy vehicle10to produce a toy vehicle that more closely resembles that of a typical adult-sized truck. Example truck accessories include, a variety of wheel covers84-86, side exhaust pipes87and88, a truck-style steering column89, a variety of steering wheel styles (not shown), and over-sized tires90, among other accessories. These additional truck accessories may be attached to either the chassis12or body module16a,18a,20a, or22aby any of the methods described inFIGS. 2A-2I.

Although sports cars and trucks have been described, a vast array of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body module, such as body module14, and vehicle accessories are also contemplated by the present invention, such as Indy Cars, Stock Cars, Sports Utility Vehicles, Jeeps®, Police Cars, Fire Trucks, Emergency Vehicles, licensed designs such as, Bentleys®, Ferraris®, Corvettes®, and a Porsches® as well as other body styles and designs.

Each of the components discussed in conjunction withFIGS. 1-4may be comprised of a blow molded plastic material, although other materials and other methods of production may be used, for example, injection molding a plastic material, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, or machining a plastic material such as ABS plastic, or machining a stronger material such as a metal, for instance, aluminum or stainless steel.

A second model of the toy vehicle10of the present invention is a pedal toy vehicle model110shown inFIGS. 5-6. Each of the assembly techniques described above in conjunction with the foot-to-floor vehicle ofFIGS. 1-4, and specificallyFIGS. 2A-2I, can be employed for the assembly of the pedal vehicle110ofFIGS. 5-6. Also like the foot-to-floor vehicle, the pedal vehicle110may be designed such that a child of reasonable knowledge, skill and dexterity for the intended age group, in this case 2-7 years of age, can interchange the vehicle module body styles and accessories without assistance from others. In addition, like the foot-to-floor vehicle, the components of the pedal vehicle110may be constructed from a material such as a blow molded plastic material, an injection molded plastic, such as ABS, a machined plastic, such as ABS, or a machined metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel.

FIG. 5shows a vehicle chassis112for the pedal vehicle110. Secured to the chassis112is a transmission unit113. The transmission unit113may comprise rotatable foot pedals115. Rotation of the foot pedals115causes an axle117to rotate, which in turn causes wheels which are secured to the axle117to rotate, such that the vehicle110is propelled when the vehicle110is on a riding surface.

Any number of a plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules, such as vehicle body module114, may also be removably secured to the chassis112. InFIG. 5, the body module114is shown as being comprised of a single piece, however the vehicle body module114can be comprised of separate body module sections such as a front body module, a rear body module, a left side body module, and a right side body module, each of which may be removably coupled to the chassis112. In addition, vehicle accessories for each of the various body styles may be secured to the vehicle body module114or the chassis112so that the pedal vehicle110more closely resembles the vehicle type to which it is intended to depict. Also, as is described for the foot-to-floor vehicle, the vehicle body module114and vehicle accessories for the pedal vehicle110from different body types may be combined on the same chassis112to form a hybrid pedal vehicle having, for instance a pedal vehicle110front end which resembles a sports car and a pedal vehicle110back end which resembles a truck.

As in the foot-to-floor model, a vast array of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules, such as vehicle body module114, and vehicle accessories are contemplated for the pedal vehicle110, such as Indy Cars, Stock Cars, Sports Utility Vehicles, Jeeps®, Police Cars, Fire Trucks, Emergency Vehicles, licensed designs such as, Bentleys®, Ferraris®, Corvettes®, and a Porsches® as well as other body styles and designs. An example embodiment of an assembled pedal vehicle110is shown inFIG. 6, in this case the pedal vehicle110resembles an Indy Car.

A third model of the toy vehicle10of the present invention is an electric toy vehicle model210shown inFIGS. 7-8. Each of the assembly techniques described above in conjunction with the foot-to-floor vehicle ofFIGS. 1-4, specificallyFIGS. 2A-2I, can be employed for the assembly of the electric vehicle210of FIG.7. Also like the foot-to-floor vehicle, the electric vehicle210can be designed such that a child of reasonable knowledge, skill and dexterity for the intended age group, in this case 3-7 years of age, can interchange the vehicle module body styles and accessories without assistance from others. Since the electric vehicle210is designed for use by children in an older age range than the intended users of the foot-to-floor vehicle, the assembly techniques and attachment devices for the electric vehicle210may be slightly more advanced than that which is described above for the foot-to-floor vehicles. For example, some simple mechanical tools such as screw drivers may be required for the assembly and interchanging of parts for the electric vehicle210. For instance, the body module214made be secured to the chassis212by a plurality of screws230which pass through apertures231in the body module14and into sections233of the chassis212which may be internally threaded.

In addition, like the foot-to-floor vehicle, the components of the electric vehicle210may be constructed from a material such as a blow molded plastic material, an injection molded plastic, such as ABS, a machined plastic, such as ABS or a machined metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel.

FIG. 7shows a vehicle chassis212for the electric vehicle210. Secured to the chassis212is an electronic transmission unit213, which may comprise an electric motor. The electronic transmission unit213is electrically coupled to a throttle control unit240, which in turn is electrically coupled to a control panel220. A selection on the control panel220electrically connects the throttle control unit240to the electronic transmission unit213, such that when the throttle control unit240is depressed, the electronic transmission unit213is activated. The electronic transmission unit220is also mechanically coupled to an axle217. Activating the electronic transmission unit213causes the axle217to rotate, which in turn causes wheels which are secured to the axle217to rotate, propelling the vehicle210when it is on a riding surface. The control panel220may comprise a forward selection and a reverse selection to allow for forward and reverse motions by the electric vehicle210. The electronic transmission unit220may be removably coupled to a power source222.

Any number of a plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules, such as vehicle body module214, may also be removably secured to the chassis212. InFIG. 7, the body module214is shown as being comprised of a single piece, however the vehicle body module214can be comprised of separate body module sections such as a front body module, a rear body module, a left side body module, and a right side body module, each of which may be removably coupled to the chassis212. In addition, vehicle accessories for each of the various body styles may be secured to the vehicle body module214or the chassis212so that the electric vehicle210more closely resembles the vehicle type to which it is intended to depict. Also, as is described for the foot-to-floor vehicle, the vehicle body module214and vehicle accessories for the electric vehicle210from different body types may be combined on the same chassis212to form a hybrid electric vehicle having, for instance an electric vehicle210front end which resembles a sports car and an electric vehicle210back end which resembles a truck.

As in the foot-to-floor model, a vast array of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules, such as vehicle body module214and vehicle accessories are contemplated for the electric vehicle210of the present invention, such as Indy Cars, Stock Cars, Sports Utility Vehicles, Jeeps®, Police Cars, Fire Trucks, Emergency Vehicles, licensed designs such as, Bentleys®, Ferraris®, Corvettes®, and a Porsches® as well as other body styles and designs. An example embodiment of an assembled electric vehicle210is shown inFIG. 8, in this case the electric vehicle210resembles an Indy Car.

A forth model of the toy vehicle10of the present invention is a gas toy vehicle model. The gas vehicle may be constructed similarly to the electric vehicle210in all respects, an except being that the gas vehicle comprises a transmission unit that is gas powered rather than electrically driven.

FIG. 9shows a garage310designed to store the various interchangeable toy vehicle body modules and vehicle accessories and to provide a work surface for assembling the various toy vehicles. The garage310comprises a top portion311having adjustable wall pegs or similar structures. Various vehicle accessories such as wheel covers70, tires68, and vehicle body modules16and18, among others, may be hung on the adjustable wall pegs. In addition, the garage310may contain flip-down storage bins312and pull-out drawers313, which may be used to store vehicle components or assembly tools. The garage310may also comprise a work table314which may be used for displaying vehicle accessories, such as engine34, or as a work surface for assembling the toy vehicle10. In one example, the work table314is recessed and comprises a gripping surface, such as a rubber material. The garage310may also comprise addition work surface areas, such as a fold-down work surface315, which may be pivotally secured to the garage310. In one instance, the garage310is supported by wheels317and the fold-down work surface315comprises a tow handle316such that the wheels317can be rotated to move the garage310when a pulling force or a pushing force is applied to the tow handle316. The garage310may be constructed from a material such as a blow molded plastic material, an injection molded plastic, such as ABS plastic, a machined plastic, such as ABS plastic or a machined metal such as aluminum or stainless steel.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited since changes and modifications are within the intended scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.