Patent Publication Number: US-7594843-B2

Title: Toy having an electronic interactive device that is responsive to a rotated and launched object

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     The present application is a Continuation-In-Part application, claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,118, filed Jul. 14, 2005, entitled “Toy for Rotating and Launching an Object,” which is a non-provisional patent application claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/604,283, filed Aug. 25, 2004, entitled “Wheel Spinning Launcher and Wheel Toy.” The present application also claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/730,080, filed Oct. 24, 2005, entitled, “Rotating Wheel/Propeller Toy.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object, and more particularly to a toy having a launching mechanism and an electronic interactive device that is responsive to a rotated and launched object. 
     (2) Description of Related Art 
     Toy launchers are well known in the art. Toys that accelerate and launch gliders, helicopters, cars, and parachutes are well documented. One method of launching a toy is through a rotary motion, often utilizing a gear system to turn a shaft that rotates the toy. 
     An example of one launcher disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,216, issued to Smith, III et al. (hereinafter “the Smith patent”). The launcher taught in the Smith patent uses a gear rack to drive a gear train and rotate a wheel that is mounted on a shaft. As the gear rack is withdrawn from the toy, a wheel ejector coupled to the gear rack pivots to force the wheel off of the shaft and launch the wheel. 
     The devices according to the Smith patent have several shortcomings, the first of which is the need for a separate mechanical ejector to release the wheel from the toy. In addition to adding to the cost to manufacture the toy, the wheel ejector device adds to the complexity of design of the toy. 
     Another shortcoming of the devices made according to the Smith patent is the possibility of causing injury to the user if the wheel is launched in the direction of the user. If the toy is particularly oriented, the wheel will rotate and launch toward the user, risking injury. 
     To remove such a risk, the Applicants of the present invention previously disclosed a toy wheel launcher. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,118, entitled, “Toy for Rotating and Launching an Object,” discloses a toy launcher for launching a toy wheel upon pulling a strip. The toy launcher includes a cost-effective launching mechanism built into the design of the toy that is capable of preventing the toy wheel from being launched in the direction of the user. 
     In some circumstances, it may be desirable to include interactive features to the toy launcher. Thus, a continuing need exists for a toy launcher with interactive features. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the aforementioned limitations and fills the aforementioned needs by providing a toy for rotating and launching an object. The toy comprises a housing with a launcher extending from the housing. The launcher is configured to impart a rotary motion to an object. The launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element. The receiving element is attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, and wherein once the driving element ceases to accelerate the receiving element, the receiving element disengages from the driving element and releases the object from the drive connection. A launcher rotating system is mounted inside the housing and connected with the launcher. The launcher rotating system is configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher. An interactive device is connected with the housing. The interactive device is configured to provide an output in response to a user imparting a rotary motion to the object. 
     In another aspect, the interactive device is a device selected from a group consisting of an electronic game, a sound-producing mechanism, and a gauge for displaying a measure associated with a launched object. 
     In another aspect, the electronic game includes race staging lights and a timer, where the race staging lights are attached with the housing and are operable for lighting up in a sequential fashion to indicate a start time, such that when the start time is indicated, the timer operates to time and display a user&#39;s reaction time between the start time and an actual launch of the object. 
     Additionally, the race staging lights further include a red light, a yellow light, and a green light that are operable for lighting in a sequential fashion, and wherein the sound-producing mechanism produces three tones that correspond to the red light, the yellow light, and the green light respectively. 
     In another aspect, the driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis, the axis running substantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft. The receiving element of the object is similarly configured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to the rotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantially helical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving element and receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receiving element. 
     In another aspect, the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as matching and interlocking shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed. 
     In yet another aspect, the launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the launcher. 
     In another aspect, the series of interconnected gears and axles comprises an output axle connected with the launcher. The output axle is coupled with an output gear. The output gear is drivingly connected with an input gear on an input axle. The input axle is connected with an input pinion. The input pinion in drivingly connected with a gear rack, and the gear rack is movably mounted in a guideway in the housing. The gear rack is capable of moving to rotate the input pinion and thereby rotate the launcher rotating system. 
     The present invention further comprises a stopper configured to selectively engage the gear rack and permit the gear rack to rotate the launcher rotating system in only one direction. 
     In another aspect, the toy further includes an object. The object is rotationally connected with the receiving element to be rotationally accelerated by the driving element, wherein the object is a wheel, and wherein the receiving element is rotationally connected with the hub of the wheel such that when the receiving element forms a drive connection with the driving element, the movement of the gear rack causes the wheel to rotate. 
     In another aspect, the gauge is an electronic gauge having a digital display and is a gauge type selected from a group consisting of a speedometer, an odometer, and a tachometer. 
     In another aspect, the electronic game includes race staging lights. The race staging lights further comprises three yellow lights, a green light, and red light. The yellow lights are flashed three times with the green light thereafter being lit to indicate a start time. The red light is lit when the user launches the wheel before the green light is lit, indicating that the user has fouled the race. 
     Additionally, the sound-producing mechanism is configured to make revving sounds that correspond to the measurements on the gauge. 
     Furthermore, the sound-producing mechanism is a rattle that is attached with the launcher rotating system and that produces a sound when the launcher rotating system imparts a rotary motion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the disclosed aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1A  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting a housing, a handle, a launcher and a gear rack; 
         FIG. 1B  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting a wheel rotationally connected to the launcher; 
         FIG. 2A  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, further depicting the launcher; 
         FIG. 2B  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting the structure of a driving element of the launcher; 
         FIG. 2C  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting the relationship of the structure of the driving element with a receiving element; 
         FIG. 2D  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting an interlocking drive connection between the driving element and the receiving element; 
         FIG. 2E  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting a wheel configured with the receiving element; 
         FIG. 3A  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting a launcher rotating system comprising an input axle, input pinion, input gear, output gear, output axle and launcher, the input pinion drivingly connected with the gear rack; 
         FIG. 3B  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting the housing with a guideway for inserting the gear rack; 
         FIG. 3C  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting the gear rack inserted into the guideway in the housing; 
         FIG. 4  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting a stopper mechanism rotationally attached to the input axle of the launcher rotating system and interlocking with the gear rack; and 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the present invention, depicting an interactive device attached with the housing. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object. More specifically, the present invention relates to a launching mechanism for rotating and launching an object. The following description, taken in conjunction with the referenced drawings, is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles, defined herein, may be applied to a wide range of aspects. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that unless explicitly stated otherwise, the figures included herein are illustrated diagrammatically and without any specific scale, as they are provided as qualitative illustrations of the concept of the present invention. 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     The reader&#39;s attention is directed to all papers and documents that are filed concurrently with this specification and are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. 
     Before describing the invention in detail, an introduction is provided to provide the reader with a general understanding of the present invention. Next, a description of various aspects of the present invention is provided to give an understanding of the specific details. 
     (1) Introduction 
     The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object. More specifically, the present invention relates to a launcher having an interactive device such as an electronic launching game. 
     The toy is formed to hold, rotate and release an object such as a toy wheel. A launcher with a pair of helical tabs extends from a shaft on the toy and interlocks with matching tabs on an object to mount the object on the shaft. In one aspect, a removable gear rack is pulled to rotate a gear train in the toy, which in turn rotates the shaft and the launcher, thereby rotating the object mounted to the launcher. When the launcher ceases to accelerate the object, the tabs of the object disengage from the launcher, launching the object forward. The launcher is configured to release the object in only one direction, and a stopper gear will prevent the toy from rotating the object in the direction of a user. 
     Additionally, the toy further includes at least one interactive device such as an electronic launching game. By way of example, the electronic launching game includes race staging lights to indicate a start time, at which point the user launches the toy wheel. A timer is included to time a user&#39;s reaction time between the start time and the actual launch of the toy wheel. 
     For purposes of clarity, the present invention will first be described in terms of the launching mechanism and operation only. Next, the interactive devices of the present invention will be described in detail. 
     (2.1.1) Basic Operation 
     In one aspect, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the toy  100  comprises a housing  102 , a handle  104 , a launcher  106 , and a launcher rotating system (not illustrated) including a gear rack  108 . The launcher rotating system is located inside the housing  102 , and the launcher rotating system is drivingly connected with the gear rack  108  such that when the gear rack  108  is moved, the launcher rotating system translates the movement of the gear rack  108  into a rotary motion. The launcher rotating system is then drivingly connected with the launcher  106 . When an object such as a wheel  110  is connected with the launcher  106 , as in  FIG. 1B , the launcher  106  rotationally accelerates the wheel  110  until the wheel  110  is released from the launcher  106  and propelled forward. The object described herein is any object that can roll across a surface, a non-limiting example of which includes a wheel and a ball. 
     Although a gear rack  108  is shown in the aspect of  FIG. 1A , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the launcher rotating system can comprise a motor or other manually operated mechanism to cause the rotation of the launcher  106 . 
     (2.1.2) Launcher Mechanism 
     The launcher functions to retain an object, rotate the object, and launch the object, without the need for a manual or mechanical release mechanism. In one aspect, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the launcher  200  is mounted to an output axle  202  which is drivingly connected with the launcher rotating system (not illustrated).  FIG. 2B  illustrates the specific design of one aspect of the launcher  200 , including a driving element  204 . The driving element comprises two identical helical tabs  206 A and  206 B, which extend outward in parallel configuration from the output axle  202  about an axis, such that the axis is running parallel to and centered in the output axle  202 . The edges  208 A and  208 B of each of the helical tabs  204 A and  204 B are formed into hook shapes. 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates how the helical tabs  206 A and  206 B of the driving element  204  are configured to interlock, as matching and interlocking shapes, with similar helical tabs  210 A and  210 B on a receiving element  212 , the receiving element  212  connected with an object to be rotated (not illustrated). In particular, the hook-shaped edges  208 A and  208 B of the driving element  204  are configured to match up with the hook-shaped edges  214 A and  214 B of the receiving element, forming an interlocking drive connection. The interlocking drive connection, as illustrated in  FIG. 2D , allows a user to rotate the toy in any orientation and still maintain the interlocking drive connection between the driving element  204  and the receiving element  212 . 
     Once the interlocking drive connection is made between the driving element  204  and the receiving element  212 , the user can pull the gear rack (not illustrated) to rotate the driving element  204  and thereby rotate the object connected with the receiving element  212 . When the user pulls the gear rack to the point that it is no longer in contact with the launcher rotating system, the launcher rotating system ceases to accelerate the launcher  200  and the driving element  204 . Once the driving element  204  ceases to accelerate the receiving element  212 , the receiving element  212  disengages from the driving element  204  and releases the object from the interlocking drive connection. This is accomplished because once the launcher rotating system ceases to rotate the driving element  204 , the rate of rotation of the driving element  204  decreases immediately. However, due to the object&#39;s inertia, the rotational velocity of the receiving element  212  decreases more slowly, and the object and receiving element rotate away from the driving element  204  and disengage from the interlocking drive connection. 
     Due to the design of the launcher  200  and specifically the helical tabs  206 A and  206 B of the driving element  204 , the rotation of the launcher  200  will impart a rotation to the receiving element  212  only if rotated in a clockwise direction. If the launcher  200  is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the hook-shaped edges  208 A and  208 B of the driving element will rotate away from the hook-shaped edges  214 A and  214 B of the receiving element  212  and disengage the interlocking drive connection without imparting any rotational motion to the receiving element  212 . 
     In the aspect where the object is a wheel  216 , the receiving element  212  is rotationally connected with the hub  218  of the wheel, as illustrated in  FIG. 2E . 
     (2.1.3) Launcher Rotating System 
     The launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles to impart a rotary motion to the launcher. In one aspect, as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the launcher rotating system  300  comprises an input axle  302  with an input pinion  304  and an input gear  306 , where the input pinion  304  is drivingly connected with a gear rack  308 . The launcher rotating system  300  further comprises an output axle  310  with an output gear  312 , where the output gear  312  is drivingly connected with the input gear  306 , and where the output axle  310  is connected with the launcher  314 . 
     In one aspect, as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the gear rack  316  is movably mounted in a guideway  318  in the housing  320 .  FIG. 3C  further illustrates how the gear rack  316  is inserted into a guideway (not illustrated) that requires openings  322  and  324  on corresponding ends of the housing  320 . The gear rack  316  further comprises a handle  326  for a user to easily grip and pull the gear rack  316 . 
     One skilled in the art will appreciate that by changing the radius of the interconnected gears and input pinions of the launcher rotating system, a desired input-to-output gear ratio can be achieved. For example, the radius of the gears and pinions can be reduced to provide for a faster rotation output to the launcher, due to the fact that a given movement of the gear rack produces more revolutions of the gears and input pinions than are produced with a greater radius of the gears and input pinions. 
     Additionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the gear mechanism described herein is for illustrative purposes and the invention is not intended to be limited thereto, as other gear mechanisms can be envisioned for spinning the toy wheel. 
     (2.1.4) Stopper Mechanism 
     An additional aspect of the toy is a stopper for preventing the object from rotating and launching in an undesired direction, e.g., in the direction of a user. In one aspect, illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the stopper  400  is rotationally attached to the input axle  402  of the launcher rotating system. The stopper  400  is formed with teeth  404  to interlock with the gear rack  406  and prevent the gear rack  406  from moving. The stopper  400  is rotationally configured such that when the user is operating the toy as designed, the stopper  400  does not interact with the gear rack  406 . However, if the toy is oriented in a way such that a pull of the gear rack  406  would result in the rotation and launch of the object in the direction of the user, the stopper  400  rotates into a position in which it interlocks with the gear rack  406 , thereby preventing the gear rack  406  from being pulled. 
     One skilled in the art will appreciate that the stopper may consist of any mechanism designed to prevent the rotation and launch of the object in the direction of the user. For example, if the launcher rotating system comprises a motor, the motor may possess a device to detect a particular orientation of the device and thereby prevent the motor from operating in that orientation. 
     (2.2.1) Interactive Device 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , to increase stimulation and enjoyment, an interactive device  500  is included with the toy  100 . The interactive device  500  is any mechanism or device that provides an output in conjunction with spinning and launching an object from the toy  100 . The interactive device  500  is responsive to a rotary motion being applied to the object. Non-limiting examples of such interactive devices  500  include an electronic game, a gauge, and a sound-producing mechanism. For clarity, each of the interactive devices  500  is described in further detail below. 
     (2.2.2) Electronic Game 
     As an interactive device  500 , an electronic game is included with the toy  100 . The electronic game is any suitable electronic game that operates with launching the object. As a non-limiting example, the electronic game includes race staging lights  502 . The race staging lights  502  are any suitable light producing mechanism, a non-limiting example of which includes a light emitting diode (LED). Additionally, the race staging lights  502  are attached with the housing  102  and light up in a sequential fashion to indicate a start time. For example, three race staging lights  502  are included that are illuminated in order from red  504 , yellow  506 , to green  508  respectively. Upon illumination of the green  508  race staging light  502 , the user is prompted to pull the gear rack  316  to launch the object. 
     In another aspect, the race staging lights  502  include three yellow lights, a green light, and red light. The lights are sequentially lit in the following order: yellow, yellow, yellow, and green. The red light is lit when the user launches the wheel before the green light is lit, indicating that the user has fouled the race. A sound is produced when each light is lit and the sound for the red light is a different tone than that for the green and yellow lights. In another aspect, instead of sequentially lighting the lights, the all three yellow lights are flashed three times with the green light thereafter being lit. 
     The electronic game further includes a timer to time the user&#39;s reaction between the start time (i.e., illumination of the green  508  light) and the actual launch of the toy wheel. 
     A mode button  510  is included to switch between various interactive features, such as between the electronic game and other features described below. When set in the proper mode (i.e., electronic game mode), depressing a start button  512  begins the electronic game and starts the race staging light  502  countdown. 
     (2.2.3) Gauges 
     For further interactivity, at least one gauge  514  is attached with the housing  102 . Using the mode button  510 , a user can select a gauge mode to turn on and display the applicable gauges. The gauge  514  is either a mechanical gauge or a digital gauge. Additionally, the gauge  514  is any suitable mechanism or device for displaying a measure (i.e., output) associated with a launched object. Non-limiting examples of such a gauge include a tachometer, a speedometer, and an odometer. The tachometer measures the revolutions per minute of the spinning object when a user is pulling the gear rack  316 . The speedometer measures an estimated scale (i.e., miles per hour or kilometers per hour) of a launched object. When an odometer is included, the odometer measures an estimated distance (i.e., miles or kilometers) traveled by a launched object. 
     As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, in order to operate the gauges  514  and the electronic game, a power source is needed. Thus, a power source compartment is included within the toy  100  to house a power source such as a battery. 
     (2.2.4) Sound-Producing Mechanism 
     To provide additional stimulation when launching the object, a sound-producing mechanism is encased within the housing  102 . The sound-producing mechanism is any suitable mechanism or device for producing an output (i.e., sound) when a user pulls the gear rack  316 . As a non-limiting example, the sound-producing mechanism is a rattle that is attached with the internal gears and that produces a sound when the gears are spun. 
     In another example, the sound-producing mechanism is an electronic device that produces sounds that correspond to the electronic game and/or gauges. For example, when the race staging lights  502  are lit, the sound-producing mechanism produces tones that correspond to red  504 , yellow  506 , and green  508  respectively. Additionally, the sound-producing mechanism is configured to make revving sounds that correspond to the measurements on the gauges  514 .