TOY THAT CAN TRAVEL AND CAN GENERATE SUCTION

Abstract

There is provided a suction-generating toy, comprising a chassis, a fan, a first limb element for pivoting between first and second rotational positions, a first drive motor, a first primary drive wheel, a first auxiliary wheel that is rotatably connected to the first drive motor, and a first linkage element that includes a first end that is connected to an eccentric portion of the first auxiliary wheel such that as the first auxiliary wheel is driven to rotate by the first drive motor, the first end of the first linkage element moves through a first path of motion, and a second end that is coupled to the first limb element such that as the first end moves through the first path of motion, the first linkage element drives the first limb element to pivot between the first and second rotational positions.

Claims

1. A suction-generating toy, comprising a chassis having a bottom surface with at least one opening formed thereon, a motorized fan element that is fluidly coupled to the at least one opening and that is structured to draw air into the at least one opening for producing a low-pressure region thereabout; a first limb element that is pivotably attached to the chassis for pivoting between first and second rotational positions; and a first drive assembly that includes: a first drive motor; a first primary drive wheel that is rotatably connected to the first drive motor and that is positioned to engage a surface for propelling the suction-generating toy along the surface; a first auxiliary wheel that is rotatably connected to the first drive motor; and a first linkage element that includes: a first end that is connected to an eccentric portion of the first auxiliary wheel such that as the first auxiliary wheel is driven to rotate by the first drive motor, the first end of the first linkage element moves through a first path of motion; and a second end that is coupled to the first limb element such that as the first end moves through the first path of motion, the first linkage element drives the first limb element to pivot between the first and second rotational positions; wherein the first drive motor and first primary drive wheel are disposed on a first lateral side of the chassis, relative to a longitudinal axis of the chassis that passes through a center of gravity of the suction-generating toy; and wherein the first auxiliary wheel and the first linkage element are disposed on a second lateral side of the chassis so as to at least partially offset a weight of the first primary drive wheel about the longitudinal axis of the chassis when the suction-generating toy is in a selected orientation on the surface.

2. The suction-generating toy of claim 1, wherein the first drive motor drives a first output shaft; and wherein the first primary drive wheel and first auxiliary wheel are each driven by the first output shaft.

3. The suction-generating toy of claim 2, wherein the first drive motor drives a first output shaft through a first gear arrangement, and the first primary drive wheel is disposed on a first side of the first gear arrangement, and the first auxiliary wheel is disposed on a second side of the first gear arrangement.

4. The suction-generating toy of claim 1, wherein the first auxiliary wheel includes an eccentric pin; and wherein the first end of first linkage element is pivotably connected to the eccentric pin such that the eccentric pin defines the eccentric portion of the first auxiliary wheel.

5. The suction-generating toy of claim 1, further comprising: a second primary drive wheel that is positioned to engage the surface for propelling the suction-generating toy along the surface; wherein the first primary drive wheel is disposed on a first lateral side of the chassis; wherein the second primary drive wheel is disposed on a second lateral side of the chassis opposite the first side; and wherein the second primary drive wheel is longitudinally spaced apart from the first primary drive wheel.

6. The suction-generating toy of claim 5, wherein the first primary drive wheel is positioned forward of the centre of gravity of the suction-generating toy; wherein the first auxiliary wheel is positioned forward of the centre of gravity of the suction-generating toy; and wherein the second primary drive wheel is positioned rearward of the centre of gravity of the suction-generating toy.

7. The suction-generating toy of claim 1, further comprising: a second limb element that is pivotably attached to the chassis for pivoting between third and fourth rotational positions.

8. The suction-generating toy of claim 7, further comprising a second drive assembly, wherein the second drive assembly includes the second primary drive wheel, a second drive motor, a second auxiliary wheel that is rotatably connected to the second drive motor, and a second linkage element that is connected between the second auxiliary wheel and the second limb element; and wherein the second primary drive wheel is rotatably connected to the second drive motor.

9. The suction-generating toy of claim 8, wherein the second auxiliary wheel is positioned rearward of the centre of gravity of the suction-generating toy.

10. The suction-generating toy of claim 8, wherein the second linkage element includes: a first end that is connected to an eccentric portion of the second auxiliary wheel such that as the second primary drive wheel is driven to rotate by the second drive motor, the first end of the second linkage element moves through a second path of the motion; and a second end that is coupled to the second limb element such that as the first end of the second linkage element moves through the second path of motion, the second limb element pivots between the third and fourth rotational positions.

11. The suction-generating toy of claim 8, wherein the first drive assembly is disposed on a first longitudinal half of the chassis defined about a lateral axis of the chassis that passes through the center of gravity of the suction-generating toy; and wherein the second drive assembly is disposed on a second longitudinal half of the chassis opposite the first half, and is spaced relative to the lateral axis of the chassis so as to at least partially offset a moment applied by a weight of the first drive assembly about the lateral axis of the chassis when the suction-generating toy is in a selected orientation on the surface.

12. The suction-generating toy of claim 7, wherein the first limb element is pivotably connected to the first longitudinal half of the chassis; and wherein the second limb element is pivotally connected to the second longitudinal half of the chassis.

13. The suction-generating toy of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the first drive motor is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and a second portion of the first drive motor is on a second side of the longitudinal axis.

14. The suction-generating toy of claim 1, further comprising: a second primary drive wheel that is positioned to engage the surface for propelling the suction-generating toy along the surface; wherein the first primary drive wheel is disposed on a first lateral side of the chassis; wherein the second primary drive wheel is disposed on a second lateral side of the chassis opposite the first side; and wherein the second primary drive wheel is longitudinally spaced apart from the first primary drive wheel, wherein the first primary drive wheel is positioned forward of the centre of gravity of the suction-generating toy, wherein the first auxiliary wheel is positioned forward of the centre of gravity of the suction-generating toy, and wherein the second primary drive wheel is positioned rearward of the centre of gravity of the suction-generating toy wherein a first portion of the first drive motor is on a first side of the longitudinal axis and a second portion of the first drive motor is on a second side of the longitudinal axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a toy that can travel and can generate suction so as to enable the toy to travel along walls and optionally to travel along ceilings (hereinafter referred to as a suction-generating toy) according to the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 shows an alternative perspective view of the embodiment of the suction-generating toy of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a reverse perspective view of the embodiment of the suction-generating toy of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 4 shows a side-profile of the embodiment of the suction-generating toy of FIG. 1, where the suction-generating toy is adhered to a surface(S);

[0013] FIG. 5A shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the suction-generating toy of FIG. 1, where the first and second limb elements are in first and third rotational positions, respectively;

[0014] FIG. 5B shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the suction-generating toy of FIG. 1, where the first and second limb elements are in second and fourth rotational positions, respectively;

[0015] FIG. 5C shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the suction-generating toy of FIG. 1, with the lateral and longitudinal axis of the chassis of the suction-generating toy being indicated;

[0016] FIG. 5D shows a top view of the embodiment of the suction-generating toy shown in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 6 shows a close-up of the bottom view of the suction-generating toy shown in FIG. 5A;

[0018] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an underside of the suction-generating toy of FIG. 1, where the bottom plate has been removed from the chassis of the suction-generating toy;

[0019] FIG. 8 shows a close-up of the bottom view of the suction-generating toy of FIG. 5A, where the bottom plate of the suction-generating toy has been removed from the chassis;

[0020] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the first drive assembly of the embodiment of a suction-generating toy shown in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the tail element and second pivot assembly of the embodiment of a suction-generating toy shown in FIG. 1; and

[0022] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the head element and the first pivot assembly of the embodiment of the suction-generating toy shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0024] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: or as used throughout is inclusive, as though written and/or; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; exemplary should be understood as illustrative or exemplifying and not necessarily as preferred over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term a or an will be understood to denote at least one in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean one.

[0025] As used herein, the terms comprises and comprising are to be construed as being inclusive and open ended, and not exclusive. Specifically, when used in the specification and claims, the terms comprises and comprising, and variations thereof mean the specified features, steps or components are included. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0026] As used herein, the terms about and approximately are meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of values, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions.

[0027] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, each refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0028] The embodiments described herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shapes, dimensions, and constructional details) and do not limit by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the following examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope of the disclosure, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, there is provided a suction-generating toy 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For greater certainty, the term suction-generating toy is intended to refer to a toy that can travel and can generate suction so as to enable it to travel along walls and optionally to travel along ceilings. The suction-generating toy 10 may still be referred to as a suction-generating toy even when it is not operating, simply due to the fact that it possesses the ability to generate suction when it is operating. In other words, at any given time the suction-generating toy 10 is still to be considered to be a suction-generating toy regardless of whether it is operating to generate suction at that time, or whether it is not operating to generate suction at that time.

[0030] In this embodiment, the suction-generating toy 10 includes a chassis 20 having a bottom surface with at least one opening 28 formed thereon, and a motorized fan element 26 that is fluidly coupled to the at least one opening 28 and that is structured to draw air into the at least one opening 28 for producing a low-pressure region thereabout. The suction-generating toy 10 also includes a first limb element 30 that is pivotably attached to the chassis for pivoting between first and second rotational positions (see FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively), and a first drive assembly. The first drive assembly includes a first drive motor 68, a first primary drive wheel 60 that is rotatably connected to the first drive motor 68 and that is positioned to engage a surface(S) for propelling the suction-generating toy 10 along the surface (S), and a first auxiliary wheel 62 that is rotatably connected to the first drive motor 68. The first drive motor 68 may thus be said to be operatively connected to the first primary drive wheel 60 and to the first auxiliary wheel 62. The first drive motor 68 may be operatively connected to the first primary drive wheel 60 and to the first auxiliary wheel 62 via an optionally provided first gear arrangement 71 in embodiments where the output speed of the first drive motor 68 is adjusted down to the desired output speeds of the first primary drive wheel 60 and the first auxiliary wheel 62. Alternatively, any other suitable speed reduction arrangement could be used instead of the first gear arrangement 71 to adjust the speed of the first drive motor 68 down to the desired output speeds of the first primary drive wheel 60 and the first auxiliary wheel 62.

[0031] The first drive assembly also includes a first linkage element 64 that has a first end 64a that is connected to an eccentric portion of the first auxiliary wheel 62 such that as the first auxiliary wheel 62 is driven to rotate by the first drive motor 68, the first end 64a of the first linkage element 64 moves through a first path of motion, and a second end 64b that is coupled to the first limb element 30 such that as the first end 64a moves through the first path of motion, the first linkage element 64 drives the first limb element 30 to pivot between the first and second rotational positions. As shown in FIG. 5C specifically, the first drive motor 68 and first primary drive wheel 60 are disposed on a first lateral side (I) of the chassis 20, about a longitudinal axis (L1) of the chassis 20 that passes through a center of gravity (COG) of the suction-generating toy 10, and the first auxiliary wheel 62 and the first linkage element 64 are disposed on a second lateral side (I) of the chassis 20 that is opposite the first lateral side (I) of the chassis 20 so as to at least partially offset a moment applied by a weight of the first primary drive wheel 60 about the longitudinal axis (L1) of the chassis 20 when the suction-generating toy 10 is in a selected orientation on the surface(S).

[0032] In an additional embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 2 to 8 the first primary drive wheel 60 is disposed on a first side of the first drive motor 68, and the first auxiliary wheel 62 is disposed on a second side of the first drive motor 68 opposite the first side of the first drive motor 68.

[0033] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the first primary drive wheel 60 has a textured drive surface 60a to facilitate more secure engagement between the surface(S) and first primary drive wheel 60 when driving the suction-generating toy 10 along the surface(S).

[0034] As provided above, the suction-generating toy 10 includes the chassis 20, and the chassis 20 is structured to support the various other elements of the suction-generating toy 10 as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the chassis 20 functions as a support, base frame for the suction-generating toy 10, and the chassis 20 includes a main chassis frame. The chassis 20 also includes the bottom surface on which the at least one opening 28 is positioned.

[0035] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 2, 3, 5A, 5B, 6, 10, and 11, the chassis 20 includes a bottom plate 82 that is mounted to the main frame of the chassis 20. The bottom plate 82 has a substantially rectangular shape, and the bottom surface of the chassis 20 is defined on a bottommost surface of the bottom plate 82. The at least one opening 28 is centrally positioned on the bottommost surface of the bottom plate 82 and extends up through the bottom plate 82.

[0036] In an embodiment such as provided in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the structure of the chassis 20 of the suction-generating toy 10 is shown with the bottom plate 82 removed such that the interior of the chassis 20 is exposed. In this specific embodiment, the interior of the chassis 20 includes a forward chassis section, a rearward chassis section, and a number of mounting arms 29 that extend out from the forward and rearward chassis sections to support the motorized fan element 26 on the chassis 20.

[0037] In an additional embodiment, the chassis 20 includes a flexible skirt 84 element that is connected to the bottom surface of the chassis 20 and extends at least partially around a periphery of the bottom surface. The flexible skirt 84 defines a periphery around the low-pressure region which is produced by the motorized fan element 26.

[0038] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 2 to 8, the flexible skirt 84 is mounted on the bottom plate 82 and extends downwardly from the bottom plate 82. The flexible skirt 84 extends around the rectangular peripheral edge of the bottom plate 82. The flexible skirt 84 is formed as a non-continuous skirt 84 where, at specific points along the length of the flexible skirt 84, breaches are formed in the flexible skirt 84 that enable air to flow past the flexible skirt 84 and into the low-pressure region from one or more directions. The position and the size of the breaches in the flexible skirt 84 can be selected to control the flow rate of air that is able to flow past the flexible skirt 84.

[0039] In an additional embodiment, the chassis 20 defines a fluid conduit therewithin, where the fluid conduit is in fluid connection with the at least one opening 28 that is formed through the bottom plate 82 of the chassis 20. The motorized fan element 26 includes a fan 26a that is mounted within the fluid conduit in the chassis 20, and a fan motor 26b with an output shaft (not shown) on which the fan 26 is mounted. The fan 26a of the motorized fan element 26 is structured to be driven by the fan motor 26b of the motorized fan element 26 to draw air up from a region that is defined below the bottom plate 82. It will therefore be understood that, when the motorized fan element 26 is activated, the fan 26a of the motorized fan element 26 will draw air up into the fluid conduit and create the low-pressure region below the suction-generating toy 10. The pressure differential between the low-pressure region and the regions surrounding the low-pressure region is determined by the thrust power of the motorized fan element 26 and the air permeability of the skirt 84 (when a bottom edge of the skirt 84 is contacting the surface(S), and the surface(S) is a suitably flat surface). When this pressure differential is great enough to generate a suction force with a magnitude that is sufficiently high to overcome a force of gravity acting on the suction-generating toy 10 when the suction-generating toy 10 is on a surface(S) that is vertical or is inverted (such as a wall or a ceiling), then the suction-generating toy 10 can self-adhere to the surface(S). Worded another way, in some embodiments, the motorized fan element 26 is operable to generate a suction force to hold the suction-generating toy 10 to a surface(S) that is vertical (such as a wall). in some further embodiments, the motorized fan element 26 is operable to generate a suction force to hold the suction-generating toy 10 to a surface(S) that is inverted (such as a ceiling).

[0040] In an embodiment, the suction-generating toy 10 includes a toy housing 22 that is connected onto the chassis 20 and that is structured to provide some distinguishable form or figure to the chassis 20 and to the overall form of the suction-generating toy 10.

[0041] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 1 to 11, the suction-generating toy 10 is structured to resemble a gecko and to have a gecko-like form. In this embodiment, toy housing 22 is structured to resemble the torso of a gecko.

[0042] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the suction-generating toy 10 further comprises a second limb element 40 that is pivotably attached to the chassis for pivoting between third and fourth rotational positions (see FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively). The second limb element 40 can be provided as part of the suction-generating toy 10 to, for example, depict one or more hind limbs of an animal that the suction-generating toy 10 is formed to resemble (i.e., a gecko).

[0043] In an additional embodiment such as shown in FIG. 50, the suction-generating toy 10 is structured such that a first longitudinal side (III) of the chassis 20 of the suction-generating toy 10 is defined about a lateral axis (L2) of the chassis 20 that passes through the center of gravity of the suction-generating toy 10. In the same way, a second longitudinal side (IV) of the chassis 20 that is defined about the lateral axis (L2) of the chassis 20 is positioned opposite the first longitudinal side (III).

[0044] In another additional embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the first limb element 30 is pivotably connected to the first longitudinal side (III) of the chassis 20, and the second limb element 40 is pivotally connected to the second longitudinal side (IV) of the chassis 20. In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 1 to 7, the first limb element 30 is pivotably connected proximate a frontmost end of the chassis 20 of the suction-generating toy 10, and the second limb element 40 is pivotably connected proximate a rearmost end of the chassis 20.

[0045] In yet another additional embodiment, the suction-generating toy 10 is structured to drive the motion of each of the first limb element 30 and second limb element 40 in concert such that when the first limb element 30 is in the first rotational position, the second limb element 40 is in the third rotational position, and when the first limb element 30 is in the second rotational position, the second limb element 40 is in the fourth rotational position. For example, each of the first drive motor 68 of the first drive assembly and a second drive motor 78 of a second drive assembly that drives a motion of the second limb element 40 can be controlled by the same controller element of the suction-generating toy 10.

[0046] The second drive motor 78 may be said to be operatively connected to the second primary drive wheel 70 and to the second auxiliary wheel 72. The second drive motor 78 may be operatively connected to the second primary drive wheel 70 and to the second auxiliary wheel 72 via an optionally provided second gear arrangement 73 in embodiments where the output speed of the second drive motor 78 needs to be adjusted down to the desired output speeds of the second primary drive wheel 70 and the second auxiliary wheel 72. Alternatively, any other suitable speed reduction arrangement could be used instead of the second gear arrangement 73 to adjust the speed of the second drive motor 78 down to the desired output speeds of the second primary drive wheel 70 and the second auxiliary wheel 72.

[0047] In the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first rotational position of the first limb element 30 is defined at a position where an angle (A1) between an axis of the first limb element 30 that passes through a centrepoint of the first limb element 30, and an axis (L3) that is parallel to the lateral axis (L2) of the suction-generating toy 10 is approximately equal to zero. The second rotational position of the first limb element 30 is defined at a position where the angle (A1) between the axis of the first limb element 30 that passes through a centrepoint of the first limb element 30, and the lateral axis (L2) of the suction-generating toy 10 is greater than zero and in a clockwise direction. Similarly, the third rotational position of the second limb element 40 is defined at a position where an angle (A2) between an axis of the second limb element 40 that passes through a centrepoint of the second limb element 40, and another axis (L4) that is parallel to the lateral axis (L2) of the suction-generating toy 10 is approximately equal to zero. The fourth rotational position of the second limb element 40 is defined at a position where the angle (A2) between the axis of the second limb element 40 that passes through a centrepoint of the second limb element 40, and the another axis (L4) that is parallel to the lateral axis (L2) of the suction-generating toy 10 is greater than zero and in a counterclockwise direction.

[0048] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 1 to 10, each of first and second limb element 30, 40 are formed to have a pair of opposing end members, where each opposing end member of the pair of opposing end members is shaped as a leg and foot such that each of first and second limb elements 30, 40 define a pair of legs of the gecko-shaped toy 10. In this way, the first limb element 30 defines a pair of front legs and the second limb element 40 defines a pair of hind legs of the gecko-shaped toy.

[0049] In an additional embodiment, each of the first and second limb elements 30, 40 are formed as contiguous structures, and each of the first and second limb elements 30, 40 include a pivot structure for pivotably connecting each of the respective first and second limb elements 30, 40 to the chassis 20 of the suction-generating toy 10.

[0050] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 8 to 11, the pivot structure of the first limb element 30 includes a first pivot structure 33, where the first pivot structure 33 has a generally cylindrical structure and is formed to be pivotably connected to the chassis 20. The opposing end members of the first limb element 30 are connected to opposing sides of the first pivot structure 33 and extend outward therefrom. Similarly, the pivot structure of the second limb element 40 includes a second pivot structure 43, where the second pivot structure 43 also has a generally cylindrical structure and is formed to be pivotably connected to the chassis 20. The opposing end members of the second limb element 40 are connected to opposing sides of the second pivot structure 43 and extend outward therefrom. Each of the first limb element 30 and second limb element 40 are formed as hollow limb elements such that the first limb element 30 has a hollow underside 30a, and the second limb element 40 has a hollow underside 40a. By providing each of the first and second limb elements 30, 40 with the hollow undersides 30a, 40a, the overall weight of the suction-generating toy 10 is reduced, thereby requiring less suction to be generated by the motorized fan element 26 for suctioning the suction-generating toy 10 against the surface(S).

[0051] In an additional embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 5A to 6, 10, and 11, the chassis 20 includes a first pivot flange 24a that extends outwards from the chassis 20, and that is structured to pivotably support each of the head element 94 and first limb element 30, and to thereby form part of the first pivot assembly 34 therewith. Similarly, in an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 5A to 6, 10, and 11, the chassis 20 also includes a second pivot flange 24b that extends outwards from the chassis 20, and that is structured to pivotably support each of the tail element 96 and second limb element 40, and to thereby form part of the second pivot assembly 44 therewith.

[0052] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first pivot flange 24a extends out proximate the frontmost end of the chassis 20, and the second pivot flange 24b extends out proximate the rearmost end of the chassis 20. In the first pivot assembly 34, the head pivot flange 94b is pivotably connected on top of the first pivot flange 24a, and the first pivot structure 33 of the first limb element 30 is pivotably connected to a bottom side of the first pivot flange 24a. Similarly, the tail pivot flange 96b is pivotably connected on top of the second pivot flange 24b, and the second pivot structure 43 of the second limb element 40 is pivotably connected to a bottom side of the second pivot flange 24b.

[0053] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, the suction-generating toy 10 is structured with a second wheel element on which the suction-generating toy 10 is supported. This second wheel element can function either as an idler wheel that will simply be driven to rotate as the suction-generating toy 10 is driven by the first primary drive wheel 60, or it can function as a second primary drive wheel 70. In the embodiments where the second wheel element of the suction-generating toy 10 functions as the second primary drive wheel 70, the second primary drive wheel 70 is positioned on the chassis for engaging the surface(S) to thereby propel the suction-generating toy 10 along the surface(S).

[0054] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the second primary drive wheel 70 also has a textured drive surface 70a to facilitate more secure engagement between the surface(S) and second primary drive wheel 70 when driving the suction-generating toy 10 along the surface(S).

[0055] In an embodiment, the steering control of the suction-generating toy 10 as disclosed herein is primarily driven by skid steering. Because the first primary drive wheel 60 and second primary drive wheel 70 (when present) are fixed on the first and second shafts 69, 79, the suction-generating toy 10 cannot be steered by angling the first and second primary drive wheels 60, 70 in different directions. Instead, the suction-generating toy 10 is steered by turning and/or varying a speed of either the first or second sides of the suction-generating toy 10 via at least one of the first and second primary drive wheels 60, 70. For driving the suction-generating toy 10 to turn and/or pivot, the first primary drive wheel 60 and/or second primary drive wheel 70 are controlled to rotate in opposing directions so that the suction-generating toy 10 turns in either first or second rotational directions, thereby causing the first and second primary drive wheels 60, 70 to dragor skidacross the surface(S) such that the suction-generating toy 10 steer turns.

[0056] It will be noted that, in some prior art devices such as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,371,898, there is a first drive motor towards the front of the vehicle, and a second drive motor towards the rear of the vehicle, wherein the first and second drive motors are entirely on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Additionally, any linkage connecting each motor to a limb of a simulated character is on the same side of the longitudinal axis as the drive motor. As a result, there is a relatively large amount of unoffset weight at the front of the vehicle on one side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a similarly large amount of unoffset weight at the rear of the vehicle on another side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. As a result of these asymmetrically positioned weights, it is possible that, when driving the vehicle along a wall, steering the vehicle to the left would result in a different response than steering the vehicle to the right, thereby making the vehicle difficult to control with any precision. When it is stated that there is unoffset weight at the front of the vehicle on one side of the longitudinal axis, it refers to a weight at the front of the vehicle on one side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, for which there is no equivalent weight at the front of the vehicle on the other side of the longitudinal axis. In general, an unoffset weight at some point along the length of the vehicle on one side of the longitudinal axis, refers to a weight at that point along the length of the vehicle on one side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, for which there is no equivalent weight at that point along the length of the vehicle on the other side of the longitudinal axis.

[0057] By contrast, in the suction-generating toy 10 of the present disclosure, there is at least one feature that results in a reduction in the amount of unoffset weight that is on one side (e.g. the second side (II)) of the longitudinal axis L1 at the front of the suction-generating toy 10 and a reduction in the amount of unoffset weight that is on the other side (e.g. the first side (I)) of the longitudinal axis L1 at the rear of the suction-generating toy 10.

[0058] The at least one feature includes at least one of: the position of the first drive motor 68, and in embodiments where provided, the position of the second drive motor 78; and the position of the first auxiliary wheel 62 and of the first linkage element 64, and in embodiments where provided, the position of the second auxiliary wheel 72 and of the second linkage element 74.

[0059] With respect to the position of the first drive motor 68, it will be noted that a first portion 68a of the first drive motor 68 is positioned on the first side (I) of the longitudinal axis L1, and a second portion 68b of the first drive motor 68 is positioned on the second side (II) of the longitudinal axis L1. With respect to the position of the second drive motor 78, it will be noted that a first portion 78a of the second drive motor 78 is positioned on the first side (I) of the longitudinal axis L1, and a second portion 78b of the second drive motor 78 is positioned on the second side (II) of the longitudinal axis L1. It will be noted that, in some embodiments in which there is provided both the first and second drive motors 68 and 78, it is possible for only the first drive motor 68 to be positioned such that a first portion 68a is positioned on the first side (I) of the longitudinal axis L1, and a second portion 68b is positioned on the second side (II) of the longitudinal axis L1.

[0060] With respect to the position of the first auxiliary wheel 62 and of the first linkage element 64, it will be noted that the first auxiliary wheel 62 and the first linkage element 64 are positioned on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis L1 to the first drive wheel 60. It will further be noted that the first drive wheel 60 is positioned at a first drive wheel longitudinal position along the length of the suction-generating toy 10 and the first auxiliary wheel 62 is positioned at a first auxiliary wheel longitudinal position along the length of the suction-generating toy 10, that is the same as the first drive wheel longitudinal position. It will further be noted that the first linkage element 64 is positioned farther laterally from the longitudinal axis L1 is than the first gear arrangement 71. As a result, even though the first linkage element 64 weighs less than the first gear arrangement 71, the first linkage element 64 has an improved capability to offset the weight of the first gear arrangement 71.

[0061] Similarly, it will be noted that the second auxiliary wheel 72 and the second linkage element 74 are positioned on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis L1 to the second primary drive wheel 70. It will further be noted that the second primary drive wheel 70 is positioned at a second primary drive wheel longitudinal position along the length of the suction-generating toy 10 and the second auxiliary wheel 72 is positioned at a second auxiliary wheel longitudinal position along the length of the suction-generating toy 10, that is the same as the second primary drive wheel longitudinal position. It will further be noted that the second linkage element 74 is positioned farther laterally from the longitudinal axis L1 is than the second gear arrangement 73. As a result, even though the second linkage element 74 weighs less than the second gear arrangement 73, the second linkage element 74 has an improved capability to offset the weight of the second gear arrangement 73 when steering the suction-generating toy 10 left or right, particularly when the suction-generating toy 10 is oriented directly upwards or directly downwards on a wall.

[0062] It will be noted that providing the at least one feature described above, the suction-generating toy 10 is more likely to exhibit similar responsiveness when steering left as when turning right, particularly from an initial orientation of the suction-generating toy 10 that is directly upwards or directly downwards on a wall.

[0063] In an additional embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5A-5D, and 6 to 11, the suction-generating toy 10 includes a pair of pivot bodies 83 that extend down past the bottom surface of the chassis 22 as defined on the bottommost surface of the bottom plate 82. In this way, a bottommost point of each of the pair of pivot bodies 83 is positioned below the bottom surface of the chassis 20. By positioning the pivot bodies 83 in this way, each of the pair of pivot bodies 83 functions as a pivot point that supports the suction-generating toy 10 on the surface(S) such that the toy 10 can more stably pivot and skid when at least one of the first primary drive wheel 60 and second primary drive wheel 70 drives the suction-generating toy 10 to turn/pivot in the first or second rotational directions. As described above, the steering control of the suction-generating toy 10 is primarily skid steering control. By providing the pair of pivot bodies 83 that extend below the bottom surface of the chassis 20, the suction-generating toy 10 will be partially supported on the pair of pivot bodies 83 as the suction-generating toy 10 skid turns in either the first or second rotational directions.

[0064] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 2, 3, 5A-5D, and 6 to 11, the pair of pivot bodies 83 are mounted to the chassis 20 and extend down through openings in the mounting plate 82 such that the bottommost portions of the pair of pivot bodies 83 are disposed below the bottommost surface of the mounting plate 82. The bottommost portions of the pair of pivot bodies 83 are formed as substantially convex surfaces to facilitate more smooth pivoting of the pair of pivot bodies 83 on the surface(S). The pair of pivot bodies 83 are disposed at diagonally opposite positions on the mounting plate 82 such that the pair of pivot bodies 83 are equally spaced apart relative to both the longitudinal axis (L1) of the chassis and the lateral axis (L2) of the chassis.

[0065] In an embodiment such as shown in FIG. 5C, the first primary drive wheel 60 is disposed on the first lateral side (I) of the chassis 20, and the second primary drive wheel 70 is disposed on the second lateral side (II) of the chassis 20, opposite the first lateral side (I). Furthermore, the suction-generating toy 10 is structured such that the second primary drive wheel 70 is longitudinally spaced apart from the first primary drive wheel 60 along the length of the suction-generating toy 10.

[0066] In an additional embodiment, the suction-generating toy 10 is configured such that the first primary drive wheel 60 is positioned forward of the centre of gravity of the suction-generating toy 10, the first auxiliary wheel 62 is positioned forward of the centre of gravity of the suction-generating toy, and the second primary drive wheel 70 is positioned rearward of the centre of gravity of the suction-generating toy 10 so as to at least partially offset a moment applied by a weight of both the first primary drive wheel 60 and the auxiliary drive wheel about the lateral axis (L2) of the chassis 20, when the suction-generating toy 10 is in a selected orientation on the surface(S).

[0067] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, the suction-generating toy 10 is also structure to drive movement of the second limb element 40 via the second primary drive wheel 70. In this embodiment, the suction-generating toy 10 further comprises a second drive assembly, where the second drive assembly includes the second primary drive wheel 70, a second drive motor 78 that is connected to the chassis 20, a second auxiliary wheel 72 that is rotatably connected to the second drive motor 78, and a second linkage element 74 that is connected between the second auxiliary wheel 72 and the second limb element 40. The second primary drive wheel 70 is rotatably connected to the second drive motor 78, and the second auxiliary wheel 72 is rotatably connected to the second primary drive wheel 70 and the second drive motor 78.

[0068] In an additional embodiment, the second auxiliary wheel 72 is positioned rearward of the centre of gravity (COG) of the suction-generating toy 10.

[0069] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 5A to 8, the first drive assembly is disposed on the first longitudinal side (III) of the chassis 20 defined about the lateral axis (L2) of the chassis 20 (that passes through the center of gravity (COG) of the suction-generating toy 10), and the second drive assembly is disposed on the second longitudinal side (IV) of the chassis 20 opposite the first side, and is spaced relative to the lateral axis (L2) of the chassis 20 so as to at least partially offset a moment applied by a weight of the first drive assembly about the lateral axis (L2) of the chassis 20 when the suction-generating toy 10 is in a selected orientation on the surface(S).

[0070] In an embodiment, the second linkage element 74 of the second drive assembly includes a first end 74a that is connected to an eccentric portion of the second auxiliary wheel 72 such that as the second primary drive wheel is driven to rotate by the second drive motor 78, the first end 74a of the second linkage element 74 moves through a second path of the motion, and a second end 74b that is coupled to the second limb element 40 such that as the first end 74a of the second linkage element 74 moves through the second path of motion, the second limb element 40 pivots between the third and fourth rotational positions (see FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively).

[0071] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the first drive motor 68 and second drive motor 78 are mounted on the chassis 20. The first drive motor 68 is positioned on the first longitudinal side (III) of the chassis 20 and the second drive motor 78 is positioned on the second longitudinal side (IV) of the chassis 20. The first gear arrangement 71 includes a first output shaft 69 that extends therefrom laterally on both sides of the first gear arrangement 71. The first primary drive wheel 60 is mounted to the first output shaft 69 on one side of the first gear arrangement 71, and the first auxiliary wheel 62 is driven (at least indirectly) by the first output shaft 69 on a second side of the first gear arrangement 71. In the embodiment shown, a first shaft extension 91 is mounted to the first output shaft 69 and the first auxiliary wheel shaft 93 is mounted to the first shaft extension 91, so as to be driven by the first output shaft 69. As a result, both the first drive wheel 60 and the first auxiliary wheel 62 are driven by the first output shaft 69 and therefore by the first drive motor 68.

[0072] As described above, the first primary drive wheel 60 and first auxiliary wheel 62 are disposed on the opposing first and second lateral sides (I), (II), of the suction-generating toy 10, respectively. The second gear arrangement 73 includes a second output shaft 79 that extends therefrom laterally on both sides of the second gear arrangement 73. The second primary drive wheel 70 is mounted to the second output shaft 79 on one side of the second gear arrangement 73, and the second auxiliary wheel 72 is driven (at least indirectly) by the second output shaft 79 on a second side of the second gear arrangement 73. In the embodiment shown, a second shaft extension 95 is mounted to the second output shaft 79 and the second auxiliary wheel shaft 97 is mounted to the second shaft extension 95, so as to be driven by the second output shaft 79. As a result, both the second primary drive wheel 70 and the second auxiliary wheel 72 are driven by the second output shaft 79 and therefore by the second drive motor 78.

[0073] In the embodiments where the suction-generating toy 10 also includes the second drive assembly, the first primary drive wheel 60 and second primary drive wheel 70 can each by controlled and driven to drive the motion of the suction-generating toy 10 and to steer the suction-generating toy 10 along the surface(S). At least one or both of the first and second primary drive wheels 60, 70 can be driven by the respective first and second drive motors 78 to cause the suction-generating toy 10 to drive forward, backwards, or turn in either direction.

[0074] In an additional embodiment, the suction-generating toy 10 includes at least one decorative element that is connected to the chassis 20 and that is structured to provide an additional, distinguishable form or appearance to the overall form of the suction-generating toy 10. For example, in the embodiment provided above where the suction-generating toy 10 is structured to resemble a gecko, the at least one decorative element can further enhance the gecko-like appearance of the suction-generating toy 10.

[0075] In another, additional embodiment, the at least one decorative element is movably connected to the chassis 20 of the suction-generating toy 10 and is free to move relative to the suction-generating toy 10 in a reciprocating motion. In this way, as the suction-generating is driven to move along the surface(S) via at least the first drive assembly, the at least one decorative element will move relative to the chassis 20 in this reciprocating motion.

[0076] In an embodiments such as provided in FIGS. 1 to 11, the at least one decorative element includes a head element 94 that is pivotably connected to the chassis 20, and a tail element 96 that is pivotably connected to the chassis 20. The head element 94 is pivotably connected proximate the frontmost end of the chassis 20 via a first pivot assembly 34, and the tail element 96 is pivotably connected to the rearmost end of the chassis 20 via a second pivot assembly 44. Each of the head element 94 and tail element 96 are pivotably connected to the chassis 20 such that as the suction-generating is driven to move along the surface(S) via at least the first drive assembly, each of the head element 94 and tail element 96 will pivot back-and-forth relative to the chassis 20 of the suction-generating toy 10.

[0077] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 1 to 5B, and 11, the head element 94 includes a head body with a face-like pattern, and a lower head surface that is substantially concave and that is defined on an underside 94a of the head body. The head element 94 also includes a head pivot flange 94b that extends out from the head body and that is structured to be pivotably connected to the first pivot flange 24a (and the first pivot structure 33 of the of the first limb element 30).

[0078] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5A, 5B, and 11, the tail element 96 of the suction-generating toy 10 is an articulated tail element 96 that includes a plurality of articulated bodies 96a, and that is pivotably coupled proximate the rearmost end of the chassis 20. The articulating structure of the tail element 96 is such that, as the suction-generating toy 10 is driven to turn by at least the primary drive wheel of the first drive assembly, each of the articulated bodies 96a of the articulated tail element 96 will move relative to each other in a serpentine fashion so that the articulated tail element 96 is whipped side-to-side.

[0079] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5A, 5B, and 11, the articulated tail element 96 includes a plurality of the articulated bodies 96a, and a spline 97 that defines the overall length and form of the tail. The articulated tail element 96 also includes a tail pivot flange 96b that extends from one end of the spline 97 and that is pivotably connected to the chassis 20 and/or the second pivot structure 43 of the second limb element 40 as a part of the second pivot assembly 44. Each of the plurality of articulated bodies 96a is movably connected to the spline 97 such that each of the articulated bodies 96a can move relative to the spline 97, as the spline 97 is pivoted relative to the chassis 20, to produce the articulated, serpentine motion of the tail.

[0080] In at least some embodiments, the articulated bodies 96a of the articulated tail element 96 are integrally formed with the spline 97 but are movable relative to the spline 97. In at least some other embodiments, the articulated bodies 96a of the articulated tail element 96 are distinct from the spline 97 and are movably connected along the spline 97.

[0081] In an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9, the first drive assembly of the suction-generating toy 10 is structured such that the first auxiliary wheel 62 includes a first eccentric pin 65. The first end 64a of the first linkage element 64 is pivotably connected to the first eccentric pin 65 such that the first eccentric pin 65 defines the eccentric portion of the first auxiliary wheel 62. The second end 64b of the first linkage element 64 is connected to a first pin connection point 67 on the underside 30a of the first limb element 30. As the first primary drive wheel 60 is driven to rotate with the first output shaft 69 due to the rotation of the first drive motor 68, the first auxiliary wheel 62 and first eccentric pin 65 will also rotate, and the first end 64a of the first linkage element 64 will move along a predetermined range of motion. The movement of the first end 64a of the first linkage element 64 along the predetermined range of motion will move the second end 64b of the first linkage element 64 to drive the first limb element 30 between the first and second rotational positions.

[0082] In the same embodiment, the second drive assembly of the suction-generating toy 10 is structured such that the second auxiliary wheel 72 includes a second eccentric pin 75. The first end 74a of the second linkage element 74 is pivotably connected to the second eccentric pin 75 such that the second eccentric pin 75 defines the eccentric portion of the second auxiliary wheel 72. The second end 74b of the second linkage element 74 is connected to a second pin connection point 77 on the underside 40a of the second limb element 40. As the second primary drive wheel 70 is driven to rotate with the second output shaft 79 due to the rotation of the second drive motor 78, the second auxiliary wheel 72 and second eccentric pin 75 will also rotate, and the first end 74a of the second linkage element 74 will move along a predetermined range of motion. The movement of the first end 74a of the second linkage element 74 along the predetermined range of motion will move the second end 74b of the second linkage element 74 to drive the second limb element 40 between the third and fourth rotational positions.

[0083] In the specific embodiment provided in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9, the first pin connection point 67 is formed as a first pin body 67a that extends down from the hollow underside 30a of the first limb element 30. The second pin connection point 77 is formed as a second pin body 77a that extends down from the hollow underside 30a of the first limb element 30.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first and second drive assemblies are controlled to rotate the first and second primary drive wheels 60, 70 and the first and second auxiliary wheels 62, 72 at substantially the same speeds and at substantially the same time such that the first and second primary drive wheels 60, 70 rotate synchronously for driving the movement of the suction-generating toy 10, and such that the first and second limb elements 30, 40 move in tandem for mimicking a life-like movement.

[0085] In an additional embodiment, the suction-generating toy 10 includes at least one controller that is operably connected to the first drive motor 68 and the second drive motor 78 (if present). The at least one controller functions to send control signals to the first and second drive motors 68, 78 for controlling the motion of the suction-generating toy 10 along the surface(S).

[0086] In another, additional embodiment, the at least one controller includes at least one transmitter/receiver element that is configured to be connected to an external remote-control unit. In this way, the first and second drive motors 68, 78 can be remotely controlled by the external remote-control unit via the at least one controller. In this way, the suction-generating toy 10 can be a remote-control toy.

[0087] The specific embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the above-described embodiments are intended to be examples of the present disclosure and alterations and modifications may be affected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure that is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0088] 10 suction-generating toy [0089] 20 chassis [0090] 22 housing [0091] 24a first pivot flange [0092] 24b second pivot flange [0093] 26 motorized fan element [0094] 26a fan [0095] 26b motor [0096] 28 opening [0097] 29 mounting arms [0098] 30 first limb element [0099] 30a hollow underside of first limb element [0100] 33 first pivot structure [0101] 34 first pivot assembly [0102] 40 second limb element [0103] 40a hollow underside of second limb element [0104] 43 second pivot structure [0105] 44 second pivot assembly [0106] 60 first primary drive wheel [0107] 60a textured drive surface [0108] 62 first auxiliary wheel [0109] 64 first linkage element [0110] 64a first end of the first linkage element [0111] 64b second end of the first linkage element [0112] 64c first set of split arms [0113] 65 first eccentric pin [0114] 67 first pin connection point [0115] 67a first pin body [0116] 68 first drive motor [0117] 69 first output shaft [0118] 70 second primary drive wheel [0119] 70a textured drive surface [0120] 71 first gear arrangement [0121] 72 second auxiliary wheel [0122] 73 second gear arrangement [0123] 74 second linkage element [0124] 74a first end of the second linkage element [0125] 74b second end of the second linkage element [0126] 74c second set of split arms [0127] 75 second eccentric pin [0128] 77 second pin connection point [0129] 77a second bin body [0130] 78 second drive motor [0131] 79 second output shaft [0132] 82 bottom plate [0133] 83 pivot bodies [0134] 84 skirt [0135] 91 first shaft extension [0136] 93 first auxiliary wheel shaft [0137] 95 second shaft extension [0138] 97 second auxiliary wheel shaft [0139] 94 head section [0140] 94a hollow underside of head [0141] 94b head pivot flange [0142] 96 tail element [0143] 96a articulated bodies [0144] 96b tail pivot flange [0145] 97 spline