Patent Description:
Radio-Controlled or RC model vehicles are a popular hobby for a growing segment of the population. In the case of electrically powered vehicles, as the electronics become more sophisticated and the batteries more advanced, the ease of operation and the run time of RC model vehicles have increased dramatically. However, one area that has fallen behind in terms of ease of operation is the removal and attachment of a model vehicle body to a model vehicle chassis.

Traditional methods of removal and attachment include dealing with a multitude of mounting posts and protruding pins that must be used with clips in order to secure the model vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis. This process takes time and the user has to be on guard against losing any of the many clips in an outdoor environment. Since the body must be removed every time in order to initially activate the vehicle and again whenever there is a need to charge the batteries, valuable run time is wasted on this necessary procedure.

<CIT> relates to a toy vehicle body simulating a high performance vehicle. The toy vehicle body is hingedly attached to a toy vehicle chassis and a body support member is hingedly attached to the toy vehicle chassis to support the toy vehicle body above the toy vehicle chassis to allow the exposure of the toy vehicle's engine and interior assembly, when desired.

<CIT> relates to a vehicle in which a body structure is pivotally mounted on a chassis structure to provide a vehicle having a body structure movably connected to a chassis structure of the vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a hydraulic brake cylinder together with a brake pedal for operating the same, the combination of a main frame assembly, a rock shaft mounted on said main frame assembly, a lever member fixedly mounted on said rock shaft and pivotally connected with said hydraulic brake cylinder, an idler lever pivotally mounted on said main frame assembly, a second lever member fixedly mounted on said rock shaft, a rod member pivotally connected with said second lever member and said idler lever, a collar member fixedly mounted on said rod member, an auxiliary frame assembly pivotally supported on said main frame assembly, and a forked lever member pivotally mounted on said auxiliary frame assembly and adapted to straddle said rod member and engage said collar member, said forked lever being connected with said brake pedal.

According to aspects of the present disclosure there are provided a body mounting system and a model vehicle as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows and the attached drawings.

In accordance with one embodiment, a model vehicle is provided comprising a model vehicle chassis, a model vehicle body, and a body mounting system. The body mounting system comprises a first mount pivotally connected to a first end of the model vehicle body and a second mount connected to a second end of the model vehicle body located opposite to the first end. Wherein the first mount releasably couples the first end of the model vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis and the model vehicle body is pivoted about a rotation point and releasably coupled to the model vehicle chassis via the second mount.

In another embodiment a model vehicle is provided comprising a model vehicle chassis, a model vehicle body comprising a body support mechanism, and a body mounting system. The body mounting system comprises a first mount pivotally connected to a first end of the model vehicle body via the body support mechanism and a second mount connected to a second end of the model vehicle body located opposite to the first end via the body support mechanism. Wherein the first mount releasably couples the first end of the model vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis in a first direction. In addition, the second end of the model vehicle body is rotated about the pivotal connection and the second mount releasably couples the second end of the model vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis in a second direction.

In still another embodiment a body mounting system for a model vehicle is provided comprising a first mount and a second mount. The first mount comprises a first body mount and a first chassis mount. The first body mount comprises a first support and a first latch. The first chassis mount comprises a first support receptacle a first latch receptacle. The second mount comprises a second body mount and a second chassis mount. The second body mount comprises a second support and a second latch. The second chassis mount comprises a second support receptacle and a second latch receptacle. Wherein the first body mount releasably couples to the first chassis mount in a first direction, and the first body mount is configured to be pivotally coupled to a model vehicle body;.

Other or alternative features will become apparent from the following description, from the drawings, and from the claims.

Certain embodiments will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying drawings illustrate only the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein. The drawings are as follows:.

In the following specification, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure embodiments of the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "one aspect," "an aspect," or "some aspects" means that a particular feature, structure, method, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or "in some embodiments" in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, methods, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. The words "including" and "having" shall have the same meaning as the word "comprising.

Moreover, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Radio Controlled (RC) model vehicles usually comprise a scale version of a model vehicle body coupled to a model vehicle chassis. The model vehicle chassis contains the electronics, batteries, and servos required for operating an RC model vehicle. The model vehicle body must be removed in order to activate and deactivate the Electronic Speed Control (ESC), or to charge, replace, or connect a battery pack. And during operation, the model vehicle body must remain securely coupled to the model vehicle chassis while the vehicle is run in a variety of conditions and circumstances.

RC model vehicles typically comprise mounting posts coupled to a model vehicle chassis with protruding pins located at the top of each of the posts. In use, the mounting posts are typically vertical relative to the horizontal model vehicle chassis. The model vehicle body is provided with a number of pin holes corresponding to the protruding pins. Each of the protruding pins include clip holes and body support pads.

In order to secure a model vehicle body to a model vehicle chassis, the model vehicle body lowered vertically over the mounting posts and the protruding pins. The protruding pins pass through the corresponding pin holes until the interior of the model vehicle body rests on the body support pads. The protruding pins extend through the model vehicle body to the point where the clip holes are located external to the model vehicle body.

Clips are then inserted into the pins holes provided in the protruding pins, retaining the model vehicle body in position relative to the model vehicle chassis.

Referring generally to <FIG>, this figure shows an embodiment of a model vehicle <NUM> including a transparent model vehicle body <NUM> and a model vehicle chassis <NUM>. The model vehicle <NUM> further comprises a body mounting system that includes a first mount <NUM> and a second mount <NUM>. The first mount <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> will be described later in more detail. <FIG> shows the model vehicle body <NUM> and the model vehicle chassis <NUM> in their assembled, ready to operate configuration, with both the first mount <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> in releasably coupled configurations.

Turning now to <FIG>, this figure shows an exemplary embodiment of the model vehicle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, but in a partially opened configuration. At the point shown in <FIG>, the first mount <NUM> has been releasably coupled to the model vehicle chassis <NUM> via a latch, and the second mount <NUM> is open or uncoupled. In order to be able to operate the model vehicle <NUM>, the model vehicle body <NUM> would have to be rotated in a clockwise manner until the second mount <NUM> is releasably coupled with the model vehicle chassis <NUM> via a latch.

Also shown in this exemplary embodiment is an auxiliary mount <NUM>. The auxiliary mount <NUM> in this case comprises auxiliary mounting posts <NUM>, protruding pins <NUM>, clips <NUM>, and body support pads <NUM>. Other embodiments may not have this auxiliary mount <NUM> depending upon the application. In some embodiments, the stiffness and type of model vehicle body <NUM> and model vehicle chassis <NUM> may be enough to only use a first mount <NUM> and a second mount <NUM>.

In order to releasably couple the model vehicle body <NUM> to the auxiliary mounting posts <NUM>, the clips <NUM> are removed from the protruding pins <NUM>. The protruding pins <NUM> extend through the mounting holes (not visible in this view) of the model vehicle body <NUM> until an interior surface of the model vehicle body <NUM> rests upon the body support pads <NUM>. The model vehicle body <NUM> is releasably secured in operational position by inserting clips <NUM> through the protruding pins <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, this figure shows a lower, rear, right enlarged perspective assembly view of the model vehicle body <NUM>, the model vehicle chassis <NUM>, and the first mount <NUM>. The first mount <NUM> includes the first body mount <NUM> and the first chassis mount <NUM>. The first body mount <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the model vehicle body <NUM> and the first chassis mount <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the model vehicle chassis <NUM>.

Although the first body mount <NUM> is shown as being pivotally coupled to the model vehicle body and the first chassis mount <NUM> is shown as being fixedly coupled to the model vehicle chassis <NUM>, the pivoting and fixed nature of these mounts could be reversed and the pivot provided between the model vehicle chassis <NUM> and the first chassis mount <NUM>. For the purposes of illustrating a general embodiment of this disclosure, the description will refer to the current configuration as representative of other configurations.

Also, while the first body mount <NUM> and the first chassis mount <NUM> are illustrated at the front of the model vehicle body and the model vehicle chassis, they could have easily been located at the opposite ends of both of these assemblies. Both the location of the first mount and whether the pivot is provided between the model vehicle body or the model vehicle chassis are matters of application and should both be within the scope of the current disclosure.

The first mount <NUM> in this figure is shown prior to the releasable coupling of first body mount <NUM> with the first chassis mount <NUM>. At the moment illustrated in <FIG>, the model vehicle body <NUM> is completely separate from the model vehicle chassis <NUM>. In order to attach the model vehicle body <NUM> to the model vehicle chassis <NUM>, the first body mount <NUM> is inserted into the first chassis mount <NUM> in a first direction <NUM> as shown by the arrows. Again, for the purposes of illustration for this example, the arrows represent an exemplary horizontal direction for the first direction <NUM>, but the teachings of this disclosure should not be limited to this single illustrative orientation.

The first body mount <NUM> further includes first latches 480A and 480B. The first latches 480A and 480B each have a retention tab <NUM>. During the connection of the first body mount <NUM> to the first chassis mount <NUM>, the first latches 480A and 480B are inserted into a first latch receptacle <NUM> of the first chassis mount <NUM>.

When the first latches 480A and 480B are fully inserted into the first latch receptacle <NUM>, the retention tabs <NUM> resiliently interact with the side walls of the first latch receptacle <NUM> to inhibit the removal of the first body mount <NUM> from the first chassis mount <NUM>. In order to remove the first body mount <NUM> from the first chassis mount <NUM>, the two first latches 480A and 480B are resiliently bent towards one another, thereby releasing the retention tabs <NUM> from the side walls of the first latch receptacle <NUM>.

While a snap fit latching mechanism is shown as the configuration for the releasable coupling of the first body mount <NUM> to the first chassis mount <NUM>, other releasable configurations may be used by a person of skill in the art in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. For example, single first latches, toggle draw latches, and butterfly twist latches, can be used among others.

In addition to first latches 480A and 480B, the first body mount <NUM> also comprises first supports 470A and 470B. While two first latches 480A and 480B and two first supports 470A and 470B are shown in this illustrative example, the actual number and configuration of the latches and supports may be selected according to the particular application of the first mount <NUM>.

First supports 470A and 470B differ from the first latches 480A and 480B in that they are relatively more rigid and configured to provide strength and stability to the releasable connection between the first body mount <NUM> and the first chassis mount <NUM>. For this example, the first supports 470A and 470B are shown as rectangular protrusions with a square cross-section. As stated previously, the actual configuration and geometry of the first supports 470A and 470B may be selected based upon a specific application. For example, the first supports 470A and 470B may be conical, cylindrical, polygonal, or made of different materials among others.

The first supports 470A and 470B are configured to securely fit within a corresponding number of first support receptacles 430A and 430B (only first support receptacle 430A is visible in this view). The first supports 470A and 470B are inserted into the first support receptacles 430A and 430B in the first direction <NUM> and provide additional strength and support for the first body mount <NUM> and first chassis mount <NUM> about a first plane perpendicular to the first direction <NUM>. For a model vehicle <NUM> such as the one described, the first supports 470A and 470B engagement with the first support receptacles 430A and 430B will have their greatest resistance to forces impacting the model vehicle body <NUM> relative to the model vehicle chassis <NUM> in a first plane that extends vertically and from either side (e.g., perpendicular) to the first direction <NUM>.

Also shown in <FIG> is a body support mechanism <NUM>. In some cases the model vehicle body <NUM> will be rigid or durable enough to allow the first body mount <NUM> to directly attach to an end of the model vehicle body <NUM>. However, in other cases, a model vehicle body <NUM> for a model vehicle <NUM> may be made of a lightweight, thin plastic material. In these cases, an additional body support mechanism <NUM> may be used to strengthen or reinforce the model vehicle body <NUM>, as well as to distribute the loading from either the first and/or second mount <NUM>, <NUM> across or about the model vehicle body <NUM>.

The body support mechanism <NUM> may include one or both of a separate front body support mechanism <NUM> and a rear body support mechanism <NUM> (not visible in this figure). As described in the current disclosure, one body support mechanism <NUM> may extend along the length of the model vehicle body <NUM> and tie the first mount <NUM> to the second mount <NUM> via a body support structure <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, first body mount <NUM> is pivotally coupled to first body support mechanism <NUM> via a first pivoting coupling <NUM>.

The first pivoting coupling <NUM> allows the first body support mechanism <NUM> and the attached model vehicle body <NUM> to pivot relative to the front body mount <NUM>. While the illustrated exemplary first pivoting coupling <NUM> uses two hinges, other types of coupling the first body mount <NUM> to the first body support mechanism <NUM> may be used. For example, in some cases a single hinged connection or a resiliently bendable connection made via a resiliently deformable flexible material such as an elastomer silicone rubber or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer EPDM, among others, may be used for the pivotal couple.

Since this illustrative embodiment has a single body support mechanism <NUM> coupling the first mount <NUM> to the second mount <NUM>, a portion of the body support structure <NUM> is attached to the first body support mechanism <NUM> and shown in this view. The model vehicle body <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the body support mechanism <NUM> in an appropriate manner, i.e., mechanical fasteners, adhesive, and plastic welding, among others.

Referring generally to <FIG>, this figure shows the second mount <NUM> in an uncoupled, open configuration prior to coupling the second body mount <NUM> to the second chassis mount <NUM>. An exemplary illustration showing the second body mount <NUM> in a coupled, closed configuration is seen in <FIG>. The model vehicle body <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the model vehicle chassis <NUM> via the first mount <NUM>. In order to close and couple the model vehicle body <NUM> to the model vehicle chassis <NUM> via the second mount <NUM>, the model vehicle body <NUM> is rotated about the pivot point in the first mount <NUM> so that the second body mount <NUM> engages the second chassis mount <NUM> in a second direction <NUM> (shown by the arrows in <FIG>).

Although the arrows in <FIG> describe a radial motion, for the purposes of simplifying this disclosure the second direction <NUM> is determined at the approximate point of rotation of the model vehicle body <NUM> when the second body mount <NUM> initiates engagement with the second chassis mount <NUM>. Generally at this point during the rotation, the second direction <NUM> is substantially perpendicular (e.g., in the vertical direction to within a few degrees) to the first direction <NUM>.

Having two separate mounting directions, such as the first direction <NUM> (e.g., approximately horizontal) and the second direction <NUM> (e.g., approximately vertical), results in the first mount <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> supporting the mounting of the model vehicle body <NUM> relative the model vehicle chassis <NUM> along different directions. For example, the second mount <NUM> may be strengthened and reinforced against forces acting perpendicular to the second direction <NUM>, or in a second, substantially horizontal plane.

As shown in these figures, the second mount <NUM> includes a second body mount <NUM> and a second chassis mount <NUM>. The second body mount <NUM> comprises second supports 570A and 570B, and a second latch <NUM>. The second chassis mount <NUM> comprises a corresponding number of second support receptacles 530A and 530B, and a second latch receptacle <NUM>. The model vehicle body <NUM> is inhibited from rotating relative to the model vehicle chassis <NUM> once the second latch <NUM> is releasably coupled with the second latch receptacle <NUM>.

Engaging the second latch <NUM> to the second latch receptacle <NUM> includes inserting the second latch <NUM> until a second retention tab <NUM> engages with an edge of a sidewall of the second latch receptacle <NUM> (more readily seen in <FIG>) in a snap fit connection. In the example shown, in order to release the latching mechanism the second latch <NUM> would be resiliently moved towards the rear of the model vehicle <NUM>, allowing the second retention tab <NUM> to move out of engagement with the side wall of the second latch receptacle <NUM>.

As in the first mount <NUM>, while a snap fit latching mechanism is shown to releasably couple the second body mount <NUM> to the second chassis mount <NUM>, other releasable configurations may be used by a person of skill in the art in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. For example, two second latches, toggle draw latches, and butterfly twist latches, can be used among others.

The second body mount <NUM> further includes two second supports 570A and 570B. Two second supports 570A and 570B are illustrated in this exemplary embodiment, however, the actual number and configuration of the latches and supports may be one or more than two and may be selected according to the particular application of the second mount <NUM>.

The two second supports 570A and 570B may be relatively more rigid than the second latch <NUM> and configured to increase the strength or robustness of a latched second mount <NUM>. The two second supports 570A and 570B are shown as being rectangular protrusions with a relatively square cross-section. However, the actual configuration and number of second supports 570A, 570B may be selected based upon a specific application. For example, the second supports 570A and 570B may be conical, cylindrical, polygonal, or made of different materials, among others.

The second supports 570A and 570B are configured to fit securely within a corresponding number of second support receptacles 530A and <NUM> B provided in the second chassis mount <NUM>. The second supports 570A and 570B are inserted into the second support receptacles 530A and 530B in the second direction <NUM> and provide additional strength and support for a coupled second mount <NUM> in a second plane, perpendicular to the second direction <NUM>. For this illustrative example, the second plane is a substantially horizontal plane extending from side to side and front to back about the second direction. During operation, the resistance of the second mount <NUM> to the forces impacting the model vehicle body <NUM> relative to the model vehicle chassis <NUM> will be at its highest in the second plane about each of the second supports 570A and 570B.

Also shown in the figures is the second body support mechanism <NUM> coupled to the model vehicle body <NUM> and the second body mount <NUM>. As stated previously, due to configuration and/or materials, the first body mount <NUM> and/or the second body mount <NUM> may be attached directly to the model vehicle body <NUM>. In this case, the second body mount <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the second body support mechanism <NUM>.

In this exemplary embodiment, the body support structure <NUM> is shown as coupling to the second body support mechanism <NUM>. Accordingly, body support structure <NUM> may increase the strength and stiffness of the model vehicle body <NUM> and may also tie the first mount <NUM> to the second mount <NUM>, potentially increasing the overall effectiveness of the first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the body support structure <NUM> may be omitted and the first body support mechanism <NUM> may be independent from the second body support mechanism <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A body mounting system for a model vehicle comprising:
a first mount (<NUM>) for pivotally connecting to a first end of a model vehicle body (<NUM>); and
a second mount (<NUM>) for connecting to a second end of the model vehicle body (<NUM>),
characterised in that:
the first mount (<NUM>) is configured to releasably couple the first end of the model vehicle body (<NUM>) to a model vehicle chassis (<NUM>) in a first direction (<NUM>);
the second mount (<NUM>) is configured to releasably couple the second end of the model vehicle body (<NUM>) to the model vehicle chassis (<NUM>) in a second direction (<NUM>), the second direction (<NUM>) different from the first direction (<NUM>); and
when the body mounting system is in use, the model vehicle body (<NUM>) is arranged to be pivoted about a rotation point and releasably coupled to the model vehicle chassis (<NUM>) via the second mount (<NUM>).