Toy vehicle and toy lancher device

Abstract

A toy system (1) comprising a toy vehicle (10) and a toy launch device (100), wherein the toy vehicle (10) comprises - a vehicle body (20) having a bottom surface (23), a first end (21) and a second end (22), and - a launch surface (30) comprising a lower end (31) and an upper end (32); wherein the launch surface (30) slope downwards towards the second end (22) of the vehicle body (20), wherein the launch device (100) comprises an elongate body (120) having a first end (121) and a second end (122), and wherein the toy vehicle (10) and the second end (122) of the toy launch device (100) comprises cooperating first and second attachment devices (40, 50) configured for releasably connecting the second end (122) of the toy launch device (10) to the upper end (32) of the launch surface.

Description

[0001] TOY VEHICLE AND TOY LANCHER DEVICE

[0002] The present invention relates to toy launcher for launching a toy vehicle. Further, the invention relates to a toy or toy system comprising a toy launcher and a toy vehicle. The invention also relates to a toy or toy system comprising a combination of a toy vehicle and a launcher. In some embodiment the toy or toy system comprises a toy figurine-

[0003] Background of the invention

[0004] Toy launchers for launching toy vehicles in the form of e.g. balls are known in the art. One example is known from the US patent US, 3 952,442, disclosing a vehicle in the form of a toy car and a launcher in the form of an elongate flange having one end configured for a interacting with a downwardly sloping rear side of the toy car, in order to propel the toy car forward, by pressing down on the elongate flange. It is a problem of the prior art that the launcher and vehicle combination that the launcher is difficult to place correctly relative to the toy car in order to launch the toy car in the correct direction and with the largest possible transfer of power. Further, it is a problem of the prior art that once the launcher has been made to contact the toy car, any motion of the launcher prior to intended launch may propel the toy car even when not intended by a user.

[0005] Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the invention is to overcome the shortcomings of prior art toy vehicle and toy vehicle launcher combinations.

[0007] The objects of the invention are achieved by a toy system comprising a toy vehicle and a toy launch device, wherein the toy vehicle comprises

[0008] - a vehicle body having a bottom surface, a first end and a second end, and

[0009] - a launch surface comprising a lower end and an upper end; wherein the launch surface slope downwards towards the second end of the vehicle body; wherein the launch device comprises an elongate body having a first end and a second end, and wherein the toy vehicle and the second end of the toy launch device comprises mutually cooperating first and second attachment devices configured for releasably connecting the second end of the toy launch device to the upper end of the launch surface.

[0010] The bottom surface is configured for moving on a surface. Such surface may for example be a tabletop or a floor.

[0011] The toy vehicle may be propelled over a surface by the first end of the launch device being held to contact the surface, while the second end of the launch device is connected to the launch surface of the toy vehicle, using the mutually cooperating first and second attachment devices, and then and pressing down on the toy launch device, such that the second end of the toy launch device slides down the launch surface, after release of the mutually cooperating first and second attachment devices relative to each other.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first attachment device 40 on the toy vehicle 10 is provided at the top end 32 of the launch surface.

[0013] Preferably, the cooperating first and second attachment devices provides a snap connection between them.

[0014] In some embodiments, the elongate body of the toy launch device arcs between the first end and the second end.

[0015] Preferably, the elongate body of the toy launch device is formed in a material and is dimensioned such that the elongate body is bendable. By bendable is meant that it has a resilience allowing the toy launch device to flex and return to its predetermined shape. In further embodiments of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, at least the first end of the elongate body of the toy launch device comprises friction increasing means.

[0016] In further embodiments of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the toy launch device comprises second attachment devices at both the first end and the second end of the elongate body the toy launch device comprises second attachment devices at both the first end and the second end of the elongate body.

[0017] In any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the toy vehicle may further comprise holding means 60 for releasably connecting a toy figurine.

[0018] In further embodiments, the toy vehicle comprises a lid pivotally connected to the vehicle body of the toy vehicle, the lid and an upwardly facing portion of the body of the toy vehicle between them forming a compartment, which compartment is configured for concealing a sphere, when the lid is in a first closed pivotal position relative to the vehicle body of the toy vehicle.

[0019] In an embodiment thereof, the toy vehicle may comprise an opening through the lower surface of the body of the toy vehicle, which opening is configured such that the sphere, when located in the compartment, contacts the surface on which the toy vehicle is located.

[0020] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising / comprised of" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0021] Brief description of the drawings

[0022] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to embodiments shown by the enclosed figures. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are used for example purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 1 , in a perspective view, shows a toy system according to an embodiment of the invention, the toy system comprising a toy vehicle and a toy launch device;

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the toy system of Fig.1 placed on a surface;

[0025] Fig. 3, in a perspective view, shows the toy launch device of Figs. 1 and 2;

[0026] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the toy launch device of Fig. 3;

[0027] Fig. 5 shows a top view of the toy launch device of Fig. 3;

[0028] Fig. 6, in a perspective view, shows the toy vehicle of Figs. 1 and 2;

[0029] Fig. 7 shows a side view of the toy vehicle of Fig.3

[0030] Fig. 8, in a perspective view, shows the toy vehicle of the toy system of Fig. 1 with a sphere located in a compartment of the toy vehicle;

[0031] Fig. 9 shows the toy vehicle and the sphere of Fig 8 during release of the sphere from the toy vehicle; and

[0032] Fig. 10 shows the toy vehicle and the sphere of Fig 8 after release of the sphere from the toy vehicle.

[0033] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0034] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a toy system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The toy system 1 comprises a toy vehicle 10 and a toy launch device 100. Also shown in the figure is a toy figurine 200 attached to the vehicle 10. The toy launch device 100 is configured for propelling the toy vehicle 10 over a surface, S.

[0035] The toy vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle body 20, which is elongate in shape, having a bottom surface 23, a first end 21 and a second end 22.

[0036] The bottom surface 23 (or lower side) is configured for moving on a surface, S, such as indicated in Fig. 2. Such surface, S, may for example be a tabletop or a floor.

[0037] In some embodiments the toy vehicle may comprise a slide aid 26 provided at the or in connection with the bottom surface 23 of the vehicle body 20. In preferred embodiments, the bottom surface 23 is a flat planar surface, which allows the toy vehicle to move on the surface like a sled. Such a bottom surface 23 may be formed in a material that enhances the sliding over surface S, or be provided with a layer suitable for enhancing gliding. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the bottom surface 23 is a flat planar surface, having a slide aid 26 formed as a thin bulbous structure, which allows the toy vehicle to move on the surface like a sled.

[0038] The toy vehicle further comprises a launch surface 30 comprising a lower end 31 and an upper end 32.

[0039] The launch surface 30 slope downwards towards the second end 22 of the vehicle body 20 of the toy vehicle 10.

[0040] In the shown embodiment the launch surface 30 is planar. However, in (not shown) embodiments, the launch surface 30 may be arched. In some (not shown) embodiments, the launch surface 30 may be formed as a convex arch. In other (not shown) embodiments, the launch surface 30 may be formed as a concave arch

[0041] The toy launch device 100 comprises an elongate body 120 having a first end 121 and a second end 122. The elongate body 120 is preferably shaped as a plate. The toy vehicle 10 comprises a first attachment device 40. Further, at least the second end 122 of the toy launch device 100 comprises a second attachment device 50. The first attachment device 40 and the second attachment device 50 are configured for cooperating to releasably connect the second end 122 of the toy launch device 10 to the upper end 32 of the launch surface 30.

[0042] As will be clear from Fig. 2, the toy vehicle 10 may be propelled over a surface, S, in the following way:

[0043] - the second end 122 of the launch device 100 being held to contact the launch surface 30 of the toy vehicle 10, such that the first and second attachment devices 40, 50 are brought to mate

[0044] - the first end 121 of the launch device 100 being held to contact the surface, S, and

[0045] - a pressure is provided in a downward direction (towards the surface, S) on the toy launch device 100, such that the first and second attachment devices 40, 50 are released from each other, and such that the second end 122 of the toy launch device slides down the launch surface 30;

[0046] Thereby, a forward force is induced in the toy vehicle 10, which moves forward.

[0047] As shown on e.g. Figs. 6 and 7, the first attachment device 40 on the toy vehicle 10 is preferably provided at the top end 32 of the launch surface 30.

[0048] One preferred embodiment of the second attachment device 50 is best viewed in Figs. 3 and 5.

[0049] As shown in the figures, the cooperating first and second attachment devices 40, 50 provides a snap connection between them.

[0050] The second attachment device 50 in the embodiment shown comprises a cylindrical bar 55 formed in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the elongate body 120 of the toy launch device 100. The cylindrical bar 55 may be formed parallel to the plane of the plate shaped elongate body 120 of the toy launch device 100, as shown in Figs. 3-5

[0051] The first attachment device 40 on the toy vehicle 10 is preferably formed as a hook 41 with a downwardly facing opening 45 The opening 45 preferably has an entrance with a slightly smaller diameter than the cylindrical bar 55 of the second attachment device 50. The hook 41 may be resilient relative to the toy vehicle 10. Thereby, when the cylindrical bar 55 of the second attachment device 50 is forced into the opening 45 of the hook 41 of the first attachment device 40 the cylindrical bar 55 is retained in the opening 45. A pressure provided by a user on the toy launch device 100 as described above, will force the cylindrical bar 55 of the second attachment device 50 out of engagement with the hook 41.

[0052] It will be appreciated that other releasable mechanical connections between the toy vehicle 10 and the toy launch device 100 is conceivable. Also a magnetic connector could be used.

[0053] In preferred embodiments, and as shown in e.g. Figs 3 and 4, the elongate body 120 of the toy launch device 100 arcs between the first end 121 and the second end 122. It will be appreciated that in (not shown) embodiments the elongate body 120 of the toy launch device 100 may be straight linear, or have other curvatures than shown in the figures.

[0054] The toy launch device 100 may preferably be formed in a material such that it has resilience allowing it to bend.

[0055] At least the first end 121 of the elongate body 120 of the toy launch device 100 may comprises friction increasing means. This will allow an improved friction against the surface, and thereby improve the launch of the toy vehicle 10.

[0056] As shown in Figs. 3-5, in preferred embodiments, the toy launch device 100 comprises second attachment devices 50 at both the first end 121 and the second end 122 of the elongate body. Thereby, the toy launch device 100 will work irrespective of its orientation relative to the toy vehicle 10. The above mentioned friction increasing means may be formed on or be formed by a yoke 56 holding the cylindrical bar 55 of the second attachment device 50.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in e.g. Figs. 3-5, the toy launch device 100 comprises side plates 150. These side plates extend in the plane of the elongate body 120 of the toy launch device 100, as shown, or parallel thereto. These side plate may allow a user to press the toy launch device 100 using two fingers.

[0058] In the figures the side plates are formed as dragon wings for decorative purposes.

[0059] As shown in Figs. 1 , 2, 6 and 7, the toy vehicle 10 may comprise holding means 60 for releasably connecting a toy figurine 200. These holding means may be provided as a slot wherein the toy figurine 200 may be inserted. The toy figurine 200 an the holding means may be provided with (not shown) cooperating connection means such as knobs and knob receiving openings, known from modular constructions toy systems.

[0060] From Figs. 1 , 2, 6 and 7, it will be appreciated that the toy vehicle 10 may further comprise modular cooperating connection means 400, such as knobs 401, configured for cooperating with (not shown) knob receiving openings in a friction or snap fit, distributed on the vehicle body 20. The toy vehicle 10 may further comprise connection means 400 in the form of knob receiving openings (not shown) distributed on the vehicle body 20. Thereby, other construction elements of a modular toy construction system may be releasably attached to the toy vehicle 10.

[0061] As shown the in Figs. 1 , 2, 6-10, the toy vehicle 10 may comprise a lid 70. As shown the lid may be decorated, in this case as a dragon head. Other decorations, or no decorations is conceivable.

[0062] The lid 70 is preferably formed at the first end 21 or the vehicle body.

[0063] The lid 70 is pivotally connected to the vehicle body 20 of the toy vehicle 10. The pivot axis of the lid 70 is preferably located at a rear end of the lid 70.

[0064] A compartment 75 may as shown in Fig. 10 be formed between the lid 70 and an upwardly facing portion 24 of the vehicle body 20 of the toy vehicle 10.

[0065] The compartment 75 is configured for concealing a sphere 300, when the lid 70 is in a first closed pivotal position relative to the vehicle body 20 of the toy vehicle 10.

[0066] Referring again to Fig. 10, the toy vehicle 10 may in further embodiments comprise an opening 25 through the lower surface 23 of the vehicle body 20 of the toy vehicle 10. The opening 25 is provided inside the compartment 75. The opening 25 shaped and sized such a preselected sphere, when located in the compartment 75, contacts the surface, S, on which the toy vehicle 10 is located. Thereby, the sphere 300 in the compartment 75 may be brought to roll over the surface, S, when the toy vehicle 10 is propelled forward (by the toy launch device 100 as described above).

[0067] The sphere 300 may be a marble. The sphere may provide the toy vehicle 10 with additional momentum when propelled forward (by the toy launch device 100 as described above).

[0068] The lid 70 being hinged to the toy vehicle 10, in the manner described allows the sphere 300 to be releasable from the vehicle body 20. The lid 70 is arranged such that the lid 70 opens if the front end 21 of the toy vehicle 19 hits an object. Due to the opening of the lid 70, the sphere 300 (marble / ball) is released from the toy vehicle 10 by the braking induced by the impact, and due to the momentum of the sphere 300. This is may be illustrated by aid of the figures. Figs. 6 and 7 may illustrate a situation, where the toy vehicle 10 is moving over a surface, a sphere 300 concealed in the compartment 70 under the closed lid 70. In Fig. 8, the toy vehicle 10 has been stopped , for example by hitting on an edge. The momentum of the sphere 300 presses on the lid 70 to open the lid 70 as it maintains a forward motion. In Fig. 9 the sphere 300 is in a position where it is leaving the compartment 75 of the toy vehicle. In Fig. 10, the sphere 300 has left the toy vehicle 10 and is moving forward, leaving the toy vehicle stand still. It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many of the specific mechanical details have not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description

[0069] List of parts

[0070] 1 toy system

[0071] 10 toy vehicle

[0072] 20 vehicle body

[0073] 21 first end of the vehicle body

[0074] 22 second end of the vehicle body

[0075] 23 bottom surface of the vehicle body

[0076] 24 upwardly facing portion of the body of the toy vehicle

[0077] 25 opening through the lower surface of the body of the vehicle

[0078] 26 slide aid

[0079] 30 launch surface on toy vehicle

[0080] 31 lower end of launch surface

[0081] 32 upper end of launch surface

[0082] 40 first attachment device on toy vehicle

[0083] 41 hook

[0084] 45 opening / detent

[0085] 50 second attachment devices on toy launch device

[0086] 55 cylindrical bar

[0087] 56 yoke holding the cylindrical bar

[0088] 60 holder for holding a toy figurine

[0089] 70 lid / pivotal lid

[0090] 75 compartment

[0091] 100 toy launch device

[0092] 120 body of toy launch device

[0093] 121 first end of body of toy launch device

[0094] 122 second end of body of toy launch device

[0095] 150 side plates

[0096] 200 toy figurine

[0097] 300 sphere, for example a marble

[0098] S surface such as table top or floor

Claims

Claims1. A toy system (1) comprising a toy vehicle (10) and a toy launch device (100), wherein the toy vehicle (10) comprises- a vehicle body (20) having a bottom surface (23), a first end (21) and a second end (22), and- a launch surface (30) comprising a lower end (31) and an upper end (32), wherein the launch surface (30) slope downwards towards the second end (22) of the vehicle body (20), wherein the launch device (100) comprises an elongate body (120) having a first end (121) and a second end (122), and wherein the toy vehicle (10) and the second end (122) of the toy launch device (100) comprises cooperating first and second attachment devices (40, 50) configured for releasably connecting the second end (122) of the toy launch device (10) to the upper end (32) of the launch surface.

2. A toy system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first attachment device (40) on the toy vehicle (10) is provided at the top end (32) of the launch surface (30).

3. A toy system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooperating first and second attachment devices (40, 50) provides a snap connection there between.

4. A toy system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the elongate body (120) of the toy launch device (100) arcs between the first end (121) and the second end (122).

5. A toy system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the elongate body (120) of the toy launch device (100) is formed in a material and is dimensioned such that the elongate body (120) is bendable.

6. A toy system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the first end (121) of the elongate body (120) of the toy launch device (100) comprises friction increasing means.

7. A toy system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-6, wherein the toy launch device (100) comprises second attachment devices (50) at both the first end (121) and the second end (122) of the elongate body (120).

8. A toy system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-7, wherein the toy vehicle (10) comprises holding means (60) for releasably connecting a toy figurine (200).

9. A toy system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-8, wherein the toy vehicle (10) comprises a lid (70) pivotally connected to the vehicle body (20) of the toy vehicle (10), the lid (70) and an upwardly facing portion (24) of the body (20) of the toy vehicle (10) between them forming a compartment (75), which compartment is configured for concealing a sphere (300), when the lid (70) is in a first closed pivotal position relative to the vehicle body (20) of the toy vehicle (10).

10. A toy system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the toy vehicle (10) comprises an opening (25) through the lower surface (23) of the body (20) of the toy vehicle (10), which opening is configured such that the sphere (300), when located in the compartment (75), contacts the surface (S) on which the toy vehicle (10) is located.

Images