Miniature high-speed electric toy racing vehicle with rechargeable battery

Claim 2

A miniature high-speed electric toy racing vehicle with a rechargeable battery, comprising: front and rear rotatable wheel assemblies; support structure means for carrying said front and rear rotatable wheel assemblies; a rechargeable DC potential source carried by said structure means; a DC electric motor carried by said structure means, said electric motor having power input terminals and a rotatable armature shaft carrying and thereby directly driving at least one of said rotatable wheel assemblies; circuit means electrically connected to said rechargeable DC potential source for applying a current thereto; and switch means electrically connected to said rechargeable DC source and to said DC electric motor power input terminals for making and breaking electriC current flow between said source and said motor.

Claim 3

A toy racing vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said one of said rotatable wheel assemblies includes a wheel mounted on said armature shaft.

Claim 4

A toy racing vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said armature shaft extends outwardly on both sides of said motor orthogonally to the direction of vehicle travel, and wherein said one of said rotatable wheel assemblies includes a running surface engaging wheel mounted on said armature shaft adjacent each end thereof.

Claim 5

A toy racing vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said circuit means also includes means for electrically disconnecting said DC electric motor from said current when said DC potential source is being recharged.

Claim 6

A toy racing vehicle according to claim 4, wherein said circuit means further includes means preventing the applying of the wrong polarity charging current to said DC potential source when said source is incorrectly positioned in said toy.

Claim 7

A miniature high-speed electric toy racing vehicle with rechargeable battery, comprising: front and rear rotatable wheel assemblies; relatively lightweight support and body structure, said front and rear rotatable wheel assemblies being carried by said structure; a rechargeable battery carried by said structure; a DC high-speed electric motor carried by said structure, said motor having a motor housing, power input terminals, and a rotatable armature shaft extending beyond said motor housing on opposite sides thereof, the axis of rotation of said armature shaft being orthogonal to the direction of vehicle travel, said armature shaft fixedly carrying the wheels of said rear wheel assembly one adjacent each end thereof; electric circuit means electrically connected to the terminals of said battery and to said motor power input terminals for carrying electric current from said battery to said electric motor; electric switch means included in said electric circuit means for selectively preventing the flow of said electric current from said battery to said electric motor; and charging means including a charging current input connector carried by said structure and electrically connected to said electric circuit means for providing electric charging current to said battery and at the same time for preventing the flow of said electric current from said battery to said electric motor.

Claim 8

A miniature high-speed electric toy racing vehicle with rechargeable battery, comprising: front and rear rotatable wheel assemblies; relatively lightweight support and body structure, said front and rear rotatable wheel assemblies being carried by said structure; a rechargeable battery carried by said structure; a DC high-speed electric motor carried by said structure, said motor having a motor housing, power input terminals, and a rotatable armature shaft extending beyond said motor housing on opposite sides thereof, the axis of rotation of said armature shaft being orthogonal to the direction of vehicle travel, said armature shaft fixedly carrying the wheels of said rear wheel assembly one adjacent each end thereof; electric circuit means electrically connected to the terminals of said battery and to said motor power input terminals for carrying electric current from said battery to said electric motor; electric switch means included in said electric circuit means for selectively preventing the flow of said electric current from said battery to said electric motor; and charging means including a charging current input connector carried by said structure and electrically connected to said electric circuit means for providing electric charging current to said battery and at the same time for preventing the flow of said electric current from said battery to said electric motor.

Claim 9

A toy racing vehicle according to claim 6, wherein said electric switch means includes a movable contact member disposed between one of said terminals of said battery and one of said power input terminals of said electric motor, said switch means also including a manually operated movable member which when positioned in an off position separates and breaks electrical contact between said movable contact member and said one of said power input terminals.

Claim 10

A toy racing vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the utilization of said charging current input connector separates and breaks electrical contact between said movable contact member and said one of said power input terminals; wherein said battery is a nickel cadmium cell with a positive and negative battery terminals, and wherein said electric circuit means includes a single positive contact member on the longitudinal axis of said battery and a dual negative contact member at the opposite end of said battery, one of said negative contacts being on the longitudinal axis of said battery and the other being spaced therefrom and in contact with the peripheral end of said battery, whereby said positive battery contact is shorted by said negative contact member to the negative pole of the battery case when said battery is mistakenly positioned in said vehicle in the wrong direction.

Claim 11

A toy racing vehicle according to claim 6, wherein said motor is a high-speed three-pole motor having a three-segmented commutator mounted on said armature shaft and cooperating with two oppositely disposed brushes, said brushes Being in electrical contact with said power input terminals.

Claim 12

A toy racing vehicle according to claim 6, wherein said support and body structure includes a relatively lightweight plastic chassis and a detachable relatively lightweight body; wherein said battery includes a case having a mechanical seal; and wherein an absorbing pad is disposed adjacent said seal to prevent spillage of any chemical from said battery at said seal.

Claim 13

A toy racing vehicle according to claim 10, wherein said seal is at the positive electrode of said battery, and wherein said pad is attached to an inside surface of said body opposite said positive electrode of said battery.

Claim 14

A miniature electric toy vehicle comprising: a chassis; a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels connected to said chassis; an electric motor mounted to said chassis, said electric motor having a rotatable armature shaft carrying at least one of said wheels for directly driving said wheels; rechargeable battery means operatively connected to said motor; a body member mounted to said chassis to cover said electric motor and battery means; and means for connecting said battery means to an external charging source whereby said connecting means will disconnect said battery from said motor.

Claim 15

A miniature electric toy vehicle comprising: a chassis; a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels connected to said chassis; an electric motor mounted to said chassis, said electric motor having a rotatable armature shaft carrying at least one of said wheels for directly driving said wheels; rechargeable battery means operatively connected to said motor; a body member mounted to said chassis to cover said electric motor and battery means; and means for connecting said battery means to an external charging source whereby said connecting means will disconnect said battery from said motor.

Claim 16

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said shaft is connected to one of said rear wheels.

Claim 17

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said electric motor has said shaft extend outwardly from a motor housing to directly connect to each of said rear wheels.

Claim 18

A miniature electric toy vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said chassis has a rearwardly extending tab; and said body member has means for engaging said chassis tab for locating and positioning said body member relative said chassis.

Claim 19

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein said body member includes a slot for receiving said tab.

Claim 20

A miniature electric toy vehicle comprising: a chassis; a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels connected to said chassis; an electric motor mounted to said chassis; a generally cylindrical battery mounted to said chassis; circuit means for electrically connecting said motor and said battery; and a switch for selectively interrupting electrical contact between said battery and said motor, said circuit means having a tab located to engage a center portion of one end of said battery and at least two tabs located to engage a center portion and a peripheral portion of the other end of said battery whereby a short circuit is created should the battery be mounted to said chassis in a reversed fashion.

Claim 21

A miniature electric toy vehicle comprising: a chassis; a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels connected to said chassis; an electric motor mounted to said chassis; a generally cylindrical battery mounted to said chassis; circuit means for electrically connecting said motor and said battery; and a switch for selectively interrupting electrical contact between said battery and said motor, said circuit means having a tab located to engage a center portion of one end of said battery and at least two tabs located to engage a center portion and a peripheral portion of the other end of said battery whereby a short circuit is created should the battery be mounted to said chassis in a reversed fashion.

Claim 22

A circuit for a toy vehicle having a battery comprising: a chassis; a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels connected to said chassis; an electric motor mounted to said chassis; circuit means for electrically connecting said motor and said battery; a first tab for engaging the positive terminal of said battery and a second tab for engaging the negative terminal of said battery when said battery is properly located; when said battery is improperly located, said first and second tabs each engage said negative terminal of said battery.

Claim 23

A circuit for a toy vehicle having a battery comprising: a chassis; a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels connected to said chassis; an electric motor mounted to said chassis; circuit means for electrically connecting said motor and said battery; a first tab for engaging the positive terminal of said battery and a second tab for engaging the negative terminal of said battery when said battery is properly located; when said battery is improperly located, said first and second tabs each engage said negative terminal of said battery.

Claim 24

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery operable when placed in only one specific attitude, a small electric motor, electrical circuitry connecting battery and the motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis in combination with said toy vehicle of a tab connected to and extending away from the chassis; and a slot within a body member, said tab being received in said slot for locating and attaching said body member relativE said chassis.

Claim 25

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery operable when placed in only one specific attitude, a small electric motor, electrical circuitry connecting battery and the motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis in combination with said toy vehicle of a tab connected to and extending away from the chassis; and a slot within a body member, said tab being received in said slot for locating and attaching said body member relativE said chassis.

Claim 26

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 19, wherein said tab is adjacent said pair of rear wheels.

Claim 27

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 20, wherein said tab extends parallel to the direction of movement of said vehicle.

Claim 28

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 21, wherein said chassis includes an opening adjacent the pair of front wheels for cooperating with said body member to attach said body member and said chassis.

Claim 29

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 22, wherein said opening is a slot and said body member includes a tab for being received in said slot.

Claim 30

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, electrical circuitry connecting the battery and the motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of an armature shaft and a motor housing included with the motor, said shaft extending away from said motor housing and directly carrying at least one of the two rear wheels.

Claim 31

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, electrical circuitry connecting the battery and the motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of an armature shaft and a motor housing included with the motor, said shaft extending away from said motor housing and directly carrying at least one of the two rear wheels.

Claim 32

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 24, wherein said shaft extends away from said motor housing in opposite directions and each of said rear wheels are connected to the opposite ends of said shaft.

Claim 33

A miniature toy vehicle as claimed in claim 24, including a resilient running surface about the rear wheels.

Claim 34

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 26, wherein said resilient running surface is a resilient annular peripheral belt.

Claim 35

A miniature toy vehicle as claimed in claim 27, wherein said belts are removable from said rear wheels.

Claim 36

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, electrical circuitry connecting the battery and the motor, a switch for selective electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of the switch depending from a bottom side of the chassis and movable in a direction lateral to the direction of movement of said vehicle; and including means for receiving a plug to recharge said battery, said switch cooperating with said plug to electrically disconnect said battery and said motor.

Claim 37

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, electrical circuitry connecting the battery and the motor, a switch for selective electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of the switch depending from a bottom side of the chassis and movable in a direction lateral to the direction of movement of said vehicle; and including means for receiving a plug to recharge said battery, said switch cooperating with said plug to electrically disconnect said battery and said motor.

Claim 38

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, electrical circuitry connecting the battery and the motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and the body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of the switch positioned to require activation from a bottom side of the chassis; and including means for receiving a plug to recharge said battery, said switch cooperating with said plug to electrically disconnect said battery and said motor.

Claim 39

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, electrical circuitry connecting the battery and the motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and the body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of the switch positioned to require activation from a bottom side of the chassis; and including means for receiving a plug to recharge said battery, said switch cooperating with said plug to electrically disconnect said battery and said motor.

Claim 40

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, electrical circuitry connecting the battery and the motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of the electrical circuitry comprising a fleXible strip of metal; and including means for receiving a plug to recharge said battery, said switch cooperating with said plug to electrically disconnect said battery and the said motor.

Claim 41

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, electrical circuitry connecting the battery and the motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of the electrical circuitry comprising a fleXible strip of metal; and including means for receiving a plug to recharge said battery, said switch cooperating with said plug to electrically disconnect said battery and the said motor.

Claim 42

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 31, wherein the switch includes a cam surface for moving the strip of metal from one position to another.

Claim 43

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 32, wherein said switch is movable in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the vehicle.

Claim 44

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 33, wherein said switch is located between the battery and the motor.

Claim 45

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 31, wherein the switch includes an electrically insulative cam surface for engaging said strip and causing said strip to change positions.

Claim 46

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 35, wherein said strip is bent at the engagement location with said cam surface.

Claim 47

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 35, wherein said chassis includes an opening for receiving an electrical contact element to charge said battery, said switch having a surface for being engaged by said electrical contact element for moving said switch.

Claim 48

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 37, wherein a portion of said strip of metal is disposed generally horizontally between said motor and said battery, said horizontal strip positioned to be engaged by said electrical contact element.

Claim 49

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 31, wherein said strip includes an opening for receiving an electrical contact element for charging said battery.

Claim 50

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 39 wherein said strip with the opening connects the motor and a negative terminal of said battery.

Claim 51

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 31, wherein said battery is generally cylindrical and is mounted in said chassis in a position located at a longitudinal axis transverse to the direction of movement of said vehicle.

Claim 52

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 31, wherein said flexible metal strip includes a first tab located to engage a central portion of one of the terminals of the battery and a second tab located to engage a central portion and a noncentral portion of the other terminal of said battery whereby a short circuit is created should said battery be mounted in the chassis'' first portion in a reversed manner.

Claim 53

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 42, wherein said second tab comprises at least two mutually parallel tab portions.

Claim 54

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 31, wherein said flexible metal strip includes a tab located adjacent one side of the chassis for engaging the positive terminal of the battery and at least two additional tabs located adjacent an opposite side of said chassis for engaging the negative terminal of said battery.

Claim 55

A toy vehicle as claimed in claim 44, wherein said two additional tabs are spaced one from the other so as to engage both terminals of the battery should the battery be mounted incorrectly.

Claim 56

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of a pad attached to the body member adjacent the battery to absorb battery fluid should the battery malfunction.

Claim 57

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of a pad attached to the body member adjacent the battery to absorb battery fluid should the battery malfunction.

Claim 58

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of thE switch being responsive to insertion of means for recharging the battery.

Claim 59

In a miniature electric toy vehicle having a front pair of wheels, a rear pair of wheels, a chassis connected to said wheels, said chassis having a first portion for receiving a small rechargeable battery and a second portion for receiving a small electric motor, a small rechargeable battery, a small electric motor, a switch for selectively electrically interrupting said circuitry and a body member connected to the chassis the combination with said toy vehicle of thE switch being responsive to insertion of means for recharging the battery.

Claim 60

A miniature toy vehicle comprising: a chassis; front and rear wheels mounted to said chassis; an electric motor mounted to said chassis, said electric motor having a rotatable armature shaft carrying at least one of said wheels; a rechargeable battery operatively connected to said motor and mounted to said chassis; a body member mounted to said chassis to cover said electric motor and said battery; and means mounted to said chassis for connecting said battery to an external charging source.

Claim 61

A miniature toy vehicle comprising: a chassis; front and rear wheels mounted to said chassis; an electric motor mounted to said chassis, said electric motor having a rotatable armature shaft carrying at least one of said wheels; a rechargeable battery operatively connected to said motor and mounted to said chassis; a body member mounted to said chassis to cover said electric motor and said battery; and means mounted to said chassis for connecting said battery to an external charging source.

Claim 62

A vehicle as claimed in claim 48, wherein said chassis has a rearwardly extending tab; and said body member has a slot for receiving said chassis tab for locating and positioning said body member relative said chassis.

Claim 63

A vehicle as claimed in claim 48, wherein said connecting means comprises an opening in said chassis.

Claim 64

A vehicle as claimed in claim 48, wherein said battery is generally cylindrical and is mounted in said chassis in a position located at a longitudinal axis transverse to the direction of movement of said vehicle.

Claim 65

A vehicle as claimed in claim 48, wherein: at least two wheels are mounted on a thin wire axle; and said chassis includes a flexible arm for engaging said axle and providing a biasing force on said axle.