Patent Description:
Conventionally, a car type model (a minicar) is broadly popular as a toy for children or as ornaments which can be endured to see by adults. The ornamental minicar is a commercial product for a user who wants to take a look and enjoy beauty of the minicar and wants to keep at least a shape of a desirable car at a hand. For this reason, it is demanded to finely fabricate the minicar in order to be intimate an authentic car as greatly as possible. Therefore, there are offered minicars for ornamental purpose which really reproduces authentic cars from exterior decors to interior decors.

<CIT> discloses a simple toy car. The simple toy car comprises an upper shell, a chassis and a wheel group, wherein the upper shell is buckled on the chassis; a through hole is formed at the middle part of the chassis; a rolling ball is arranged in the through hole; a joint of the rolling ball and the through hole is protruded from the chassis; and the wheel group is arranged between the upper shell and the chassis and connected with the chassis. According to the simple toy car, production procedures are reduced; the simple toy car is convenient to assemble; when moving, the toy car has inertia of keeping moving forward, has a simple structure and is environmentally-friendly; and the production cost is reduced.

<CIT> discloses magnetic assembly toys including magnetically assembled vehicles to which accessories may be attached. The magnetically assembled toy includes a plurality of components that are adapted to magnetically couple with one another. The toy includes at least one magnetic portion that is affixed to one of the plurality of components. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of components may be adapted to rotate.

<CIT> discloses a product comprising of a toy and at least one collectible card configured to be used in a card game, said card having features related to said toy, where said features have an impact on said card game, said toy packaged with said at least one collectible card.

However, the common car type model is made of a resin, and thus the common car type may be easily damaged and exhibit poor feeling. Further, the resin car body cannot protect the wheel axle which arranged within the resin car body from being damaged, and thus the wheel axle cannot be positioned firmly and may be bent.

The abovementioned problems are overcome by a car type model as claimed in appended claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In order to further understanding of the instant disclosure, the following embodiments are provided along with illustrations to facilitate appreciation of the instant disclosure; however, the appended drawings are merely provided for reference and illustration, and do not limit the scope of the instant disclosure.

The following disclosure provides for many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to explain certain aspects of the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed or disposed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features are formed or disposed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features are not in direct contact.

As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "above," "over," "on," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "side" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated <NUM> degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present.

Present disclosure provides a car type model having a metal inner structure. The metal inner structure is configured to support wheel axles and protect the wheel axles from being bent or deformed. Further, the metal inner structure holds the wheel axles in position and allows the wheel axles to rotate freely. Moreover, the metal inner structure can increase the weight of the car type model such that the car type model car exhibits the massive feeling.

<FIG> is an exploded view of a car type model in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As sown in <FIG>, the car type model <NUM> includes a car body <NUM>, an inner structure <NUM> and a chassis <NUM>. The car body <NUM> may be made of a resin. The inner structure <NUM> may be made of a metal. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inner structure <NUM> is made of zinc die-cast alloy. Further, the chassis <NUM> may be made of a resin.

Referring to <FIG>, the inner structure <NUM> may be attached to the car body <NUM> by fixing screws <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fixing screws <NUM> and <NUM> are made of a metal. The fixing screws <NUM> and <NUM> are screwed into the screw holes <NUM> and <NUM> provided on the inner structure <NUM> and the screw holes provided on the car body <NUM> (not shown). The chassis <NUM> may be attached to the inner structure <NUM> by fixing screws <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fixing screws <NUM> and <NUM> are made of a metal. The fixing screws <NUM> and <NUM> are screwed into the screw holes <NUM> and <NUM> provided on the chassis <NUM> and the screw holes <NUM> and <NUM> provided on the inner structure <NUM> (see <FIG>). Further, a wheel axle <NUM> with front wheels <NUM> and a wheel axle <NUM> with rear wheels <NUM> may be arranged between the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM>. The wheel axles <NUM> and <NUM> may be made of a metal. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wheel axles <NUM> and <NUM> are made of stainless steel.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a chassis of a car type model in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the chassis <NUM> includes a pair of the front retainers <NUM> which is positioned close to a front end <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the front retainer <NUM> protrudes from an upper surface <NUM> which may face the inner structure <NUM> when the chassis <NUM> is attached to the inner structure <NUM>. Each of the front retainers <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> which is configured to receive the front wheel axle <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the front slot <NUM> may be a U-shaped slot. That is, the front slot <NUM> may have a U-shaped cross-section.

As show in <FIG>, the chassis <NUM> further includes a rear slot <NUM> which is configured to receive the rear wheel axle <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is positioned close to a rear end <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the rear slot <NUM> is formed on an upper surface <NUM> which may face the inner structure <NUM> when the chassis <NUM> is attached to the inner structure <NUM>. The rear slot <NUM> may be recessed with respect to the upper surface <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the rear slot <NUM> may be a U-shaped slot. That is, the rear slot <NUM> may have a U-shaped cross-section.

The front wheel axle <NUM> with the front wheels <NUM> may be received in the front slots <NUM> and the rear wheel axle <NUM> with the rear wheels <NUM> may be received in the rear slot <NUM>. That is, a position of the front wheel axle <NUM> may be defined by the front slots <NUM>, and a position of the rear wheel axle <NUM> may be defined by the rear slot <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the screw holes <NUM> and <NUM> are formed to align with a central line longitudinally extending the chassis <NUM>.

<FIG> is a bottom view showing a chassis of a car type model in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to <FIG>, the chassis <NUM> includes a lower surface <NUM> which faces away the inner structure <NUM> when the chassis <NUM> is attached to the inner structure <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> includes a relief pattern <NUM> showing the transmission mechanism and the exhaust system of the car. Since the chassis <NUM> is formed of the resin, the relief pattern <NUM> may be formed by a molding process.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an inner structure of a car type model in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The inner structure <NUM> includes a pair of the retainers <NUM> positioned close to a front end <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and protruded from a lower surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may face the chassis <NUM> when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the retainers <NUM> has a slot <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the positions of the retainers <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> respectively correspond to the positions of the front retainers <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> and the positions of the slots <NUM> of the retainers <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> respectively correspond to the positions of the slots <NUM> of the retainers <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. Thus, when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other, the retainers <NUM> of the inner structures <NUM> may respectively match the front retainers <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> and the slots <NUM> of the retainers <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may respectively align with the slots <NUM> of the retainers <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>.

The inner structure <NUM> includes a pair of the retainer <NUM> positioned close to a rear end <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and protruded from a lower surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may face the chassis <NUM> when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the retainers <NUM> has a flat lower surface <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the positions of the retainers <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> correspond to the position of the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. Thus, when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other, the lower surfaces <NUM> of the retainers <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may face the chassis <NUM> and cover the slot <NUM> of the front retainers <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the screw holes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are formed to align with a central line longitudinally extending the inner structure <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a combination of an inner structure and a chassis of a car type model in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> substantially aligns with the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other. Referring to <FIG>, the front wheel axle <NUM> is received in the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>, and thus the front wheel axle <NUM> is positioned by the slot <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. That is, the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are configured to keep the front wheel axle <NUM> in a position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross-sectional width of the slot <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> is greater than a diameter of the front wheel axle <NUM> and a cross-sectional width of the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> is greater than the diameter of the front wheel axle <NUM>, and thus the front wheel axle <NUM> rotates freely in the slot <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the slot <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> are configured to fit the wheel axle <NUM>, and the wheel axle <NUM> is fixed and cannot rotate freely when the wheel axle <NUM> is arranged between the inner structure <NUM> and chassis <NUM>. The wheel <NUM> may rotatably connects the end of the wheel axle <NUM>, and thus the wheel <NUM> may rotate freely while the wheel axle <NUM> is fixed between the inner structure <NUM> and chassis <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another portion of a combination of an inner structure and a chassis of a car type model in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the lower surface <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the inner structure substantially covers the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other. Referring to <FIG>, the rear wheel axle <NUM> is received in the slot <NUM> the chassis <NUM> and blocked by the lower surface <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>, and thus the rear wheel axle <NUM> is positioned by the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>. That is, the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are configured to keep the rear wheel axle <NUM> in a position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross-sectional width of the slot <NUM> is greater than a diameter of the rear wheel axle <NUM>, and thus the rear wheel axle <NUM> rotates freely in the slot <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> is configured to fit the wheel axle <NUM>, and the wheel axle <NUM> is fixed and cannot rotate freely when the wheel axle <NUM> is arranged between the inner structure <NUM> and chassis <NUM>. The wheel <NUM> may rotatably connects the end of the wheel axle <NUM>, and thus the wheel <NUM> may rotate freely while the wheel axle <NUM> is fixed between the inner structure <NUM> and chassis <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an inner structure of a car type model in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The inner structure <NUM> includes a pair of the retainers <NUM> positioned close to a front end <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and protruded from a lower surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may face the chassis <NUM> when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the retainers <NUM> has a flat lower surface <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the positions of the retainers <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> respectively correspond to the positions of the front retainers <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. Thus, when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other, the retainers <NUM> of the inner structures <NUM> may respectively match the front retainers <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> and the lower surfaces <NUM> of the retainers <NUM> may face the chassis <NUM> and respectively cover the slots <NUM> of the front retainers <NUM>.

The inner structure <NUM> includes a pair of the retainer <NUM> positioned close to a rear end <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and protruded from a lower surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may face the chassis <NUM> when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the retainers <NUM> has a slot <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the positions of the slots <NUM> of the retainers <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> are correspond to the position of the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. Thus, when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other, the slots <NUM> of the retainers <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may align with the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a combination of an inner structure and a chassis of a car type model in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> the inner structure <NUM> matches the retainer <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> substantially covers the front slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other. Referring to <FIG>, the front wheel axle <NUM> is received in the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> and blocked by the lower surface <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>, and thus the front wheel axle <NUM> is positioned by the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>. That is, the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are configured to keep the front wheel axle <NUM> in a position. in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross-sectional width of the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> is greater than a diameter of the front wheel axle <NUM>, and thus the front wheel axle <NUM> rotates freely in the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another portion of a combination of an inner structure and a chassis of a car type model in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> substantially aligns with the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> when the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are attached to each other. Referring to <FIG>, the rear wheel axle <NUM> is received in the slot <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>, and thus the rear wheel axle <NUM> is positioned by the slot <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the rear slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. That is, the inner structure <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> are configured to keep the rear wheel axle <NUM> in a position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross-sectional width of the slot <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> is greater than a diameter of the rear wheel axle <NUM> and a cross-sectional width of the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> is greater than the diameter of the rear wheel axle <NUM>, and thus the rear wheel axle <NUM> rotates freely in the slot <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the slot <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>.

It will be further appreciated that the foregoing apparatus may be used for positioning the wheel axles and protecting the wheel axles from being bent or deformed. Further, the wheel axles are configured to rotate freely. Moreover, the inner structure formed of the metal can increase the weight of the car type model, and thus the car type model car can exhibit the massive feeling. In addition, since the chassis is made of the resin, a fine relief pattern could be easily formed at the lower surface of the chassis by the molding process.

As used herein, the singular terms "a," "an," and "the" may include a plurality of referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "approximately," "substantially," "substantial" and "about" are used to describe and account for small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event or circumstance occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event or circumstance occurs to a close approximation. For example, when used in conjunction with a numerical value, the terms can refer to a range of variation of less than or equal to ±<NUM>% of that numerical value, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, or less than or equal to <NUM>%. For example, two numerical values can be deemed to be "substantially" the same or equal if the difference between the values is less than or equal to ±<NUM>% of an average of the values, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ± <NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, or less than or equal to ±<NUM>%. For example, "substantially" parallel can refer to a range of angular variation relative to <NUM>° that is less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to <NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, or less than or equal to ±<NUM>°. For example, "substantially" perpendicular can refer to a range of angular variation relative to <NUM>° that is less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, less than or equal to ±<NUM>°, or less than or equal to ±<NUM>°.

Additionally, amounts, ratios, and other numerical values are sometimes presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used for convenience and brevity and should be understood flexibly to include numerical values explicitly specified as limits of a range, but also to include all individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range were explicitly specified.

Claim 1:
A car type model (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
an inner structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed of a metal;
a chassis (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed of a resin and attached to the inner structure (<NUM>, <NUM>)
a car body (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed of a resin and attached to the inner structure (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a first wheel axle (<NUM>, <NUM>) arranged between the inner structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the chassis (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the inner structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the chassis (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to receive the first wheel axle (<NUM>, <NUM>) and keep the first wheel axle (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a position;
wherein the chassis (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a first retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) protruding from a surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the chassis (<NUM>, <NUM>), which faces the inner structure (<NUM>, <NUM>), and wherein the first retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a first slot (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive the first wheel axle (<NUM>, <NUM>), and wherein the first retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) is formed of the resin;
wherein the inner structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a second retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) protruding from a surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the inner structure (<NUM>, <NUM>), which faces the chassis (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the second retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to match the first retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the second retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) is formed of the metal, and wherein the first wheel axle (<NUM>, <NUM>) is kept between the first retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the chassis (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the inner structure (<NUM>, <NUM>).