FOLDABLE REMOTE-CONTROL VEHICLE

Abstract

A foldable remote-control vehicle includes a body, a folding & extending subsystem, and all-terrain wheels. Guiding members of the folding & extending subsystem are directly or indirectly attached to the body at their proximal ends. The folding & extending subsystem folds the foldable remote-control vehicle between a vertically oriented position and a horizontally oriented position. The all-terrain wheels attach to a distal end of the one or more guiding members.

Claims

1. A foldable remote-control vehicle comprising: a body; a folding & extending subsystem comprising: one or more guiding members that (i) are directly or indirectly attached to the body at a proximal end of the one or more guiding members; and (ii) can fold the foldable remote-control vehicle between a vertically oriented position and a horizontally oriented position; and at least two all-terrain wheels that are attached to a distal end of the one or more guiding members.

2. The foldable remote-control vehicle of claim 1, wherein the folding & extending subsystem further comprises a horizontally oriented platform that directly attaches to (i) an underside of the body; and (ii) to the proximal end of the one or more guiding members.

3. The foldable remote-control vehicle of claim 2, wherein the one or more guiding members comprise a first leg that directly attaches to a front receptacle and a second leg that directly attaches to a second receptacle.

4. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 3, further comprising rotatable pivots (120) located at the proximal end of the one or more guiding members (114) that attach to external surfaces of front and rear ends of the horizontally oriented platform (112).

5. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 4, wherein the first receptacle (134) and the second receptacle (136) are each configured as an axle and attach a pair of the all-terrain wheels (106).

6. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 1, further comprising a front bumper (108), wherein the front bumper (108) is attached to the front receptacle (134) and extends from the front receptacle (134) in a direction parallel to the ground while the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) is in the vertically oriented position (100E).

7. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 6, further comprising a rear bumper (110), wherein the rear bumper (110) is attached to the rear receptacle (136) and extends from the rear receptacle (136) in a direction parallel to the ground while the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) is in the vertically oriented position (100E).

8. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 7, wherein the bumpers (108, 110) double as spoilers for the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) such that the bumpers (108, 110) extend from the receptacles (134, 136) in a direction perpendicular to the ground when in the horizontally oriented position (100A).

9. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 7, wherein the front and rear bumpers (108, 110) are removable, and when attached to the foldable remote-control vehicle (100), increase a length of the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) and lower a center of gravity of the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) when in the horizontally oriented position (100A).

10. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the folding & extending subsystem (104) comprises one or more sleeves (116) that (i) move independently with respect to the one or more guiding members (114), (ii) are equivalent in number to a number of the one or more guiding members (114); and (iii) surround the one or more guiding members (114).

11. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 10, wherein the one or more sleeves (116) actuate between a fully extended position (100F) and a fully retracted position (100G).

12. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 1, further comprising at least one button (118) located on the one or more sleeves (116) that allows for a user to mechanically actuate the folding & extending subsystem (104).

13. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 12, wherein the at least one button (118) comprises a vertical button (118A) that actuates the folding & extending subsystem (104) to fold the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) into the vertically oriented position (100E, 100F, 100G), and a horizontal button (118C) that actuates the folding & extending subsystem (104) to fold the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) into the horizontally oriented position (100A).

14. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 12, wherein the at least one button (118) comprises a toggleable, folding button (118A, 118C) that actuates the folding & extending subsystem (104) to fold the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) between a horizontally oriented position (100A) and the vertically oriented position (100E, 100F, 100G), and a toggleable, extending/retracting button (118B) that actuates the folding & extending subsystem (104) to extend and retract the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) between a fully extended position (100E) and a fully retracted position (100G).

15. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 1, further comprising LEDs (132) on an external surface of the body (102), and an LED (132) positioned in a wheel well having channels for LEDs (138).

16. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the body (102) emulates the cab of a pickup truck and further comprises a feature emulating a windshield (122), a headlight (124), a taillight (126), a grille (128A), a tailgate (128B), a truck bed (130), or any combination thereof.

17. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) is an aquatic vehicle capable of moving through water.

18. The foldable remote-control vehicle (100) of claim 1, further comprising re-usable product packaging (400) that allows for compact storage of and protects the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) when the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) is not in use.

19. A foldable remote-control vehicle (100) comprising: a body (102); a folding & extending subsystem (104) comprising: one or more guiding members (114) that (i) are directly or indirectly attached to the body (102) at a proximal end of the one or more guiding members (114); and (ii) can fold the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) between a vertically oriented position (100E, 100F, 100G) and a horizontally oriented position (100A); wherein the one or more guiding members (114) include a front receptacle (134) and a rear receptacle (136) at a distal end; at least two all-terrain wheels (106) that are attached to a distal end of the one or more guiding members (114); a front bumper (108) extending from the front receptacle (134); a rear bumper (110) extending from the rear receptacle (136); and at least one button (118) that allows for a user to mechanically actuate the folding & extending subsystem (104); wherein the bumpers (108, 110) extend from the receptacles (134, 136) in a direction parallel to the ground while the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) is in a vertically oriented position (100E); wherein the bumpers (108, 110) double as spoilers for the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) such that the bumpers (108, 110) extend from the receptacles (134, 136) in a direction perpendicular to the ground when in a horizontally oriented position (100A).

20. A foldable remote-control vehicle (100) comprising: a body (102); a folding & extending subsystem (104) comprising: one or more guiding members (114) that (i) are directly or indirectly attached to the body (102) at a proximal end of the one or more guiding members (114); and (ii) can fold the foldable remote-control vehicle (100) between a vertically oriented position (100E, 100F, 100G) and a horizontally oriented position (100A); a horizontally oriented platform (112) that directly attaches to (i) an underside of the body (102); at least two all-terrain wheels (106) that are attached to a distal end of the one or more guiding members (114); rotatable pivots (120) located at the proximal end of the one or more guiding members (114) that attach to external surfaces of front and rear ends of the horizontally oriented platform (112); and LEDs (132) on an external surface of the body (102), and an LED (132) positioned in a wheel well having channels for LEDs (138); wherein the body (102) emulates the cab of a pickup truck and further comprises a feature emulating a windshield (122) and a truck bed (130).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Several embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like components throughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplary purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a foldable remote-control vehicle, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows elevation views of the foldable remote-control vehicle of FIG. 1 in several different positions throughout a folding process, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the foldable remote-control vehicle of FIG. 1, in the middle of an extending/retracting process, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the foldable remote-control vehicle of FIG. 1, in a fully retracted position, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the foldable remote-control vehicle of FIG. 1, emphasizing aesthetic aspects of the body 102 of the vehicle, locations for LEDs on the vehicle, and aspects at each end of the vehicle, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the foldable remote-control vehicle of FIG. 1, emphasizing how the vehicle moves while in the horizontal position, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of a remote control for the foldable remote-control vehicle of FIG. 1, surrounded by a decorative circle for emphasis, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of dual motors for the foldable remote-control vehicle of FIG. 1, surrounded by a decorative circle for emphasis, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of product packaging for the foldable remote-control vehicle of FIG. 1, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0059] An artisan of ordinary skill in the art need not view, within isolated figure(s), the near infinite distinct combinations of features described in the following detailed description to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The present disclosure is not to be limited to that described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural, and/or other changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. No features shown or described are essential to permit basic operation of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated.

[0061] By way of example, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an off-road land embodiment of the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 in a pickup truck aesthetic.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1, a foldable remote-control vehicle 100 includes a body 102, a folding & extending subsystem 104, and all-terrain wheels 106. The foldable remote-control vehicle 100 further includes a front bumper 108, and a rear bumper 110. The vehicle 100 includes a main body 102, resembling a truck cab, mounted on a transformative folding & extending subsystem 104. In its normal driving mode, the vehicle assumes a horizontally oriented position 100A (FIG. 2) with the body 102 relatively low to the ground.

[0063] The folding & extending subsystem 104 provides for dynamic height adjustment. A shift from a low-rider stance for speed (a low stable, low rider or speedster stance) and stability to an elevated height (a towering stance) for tackling obstacles and rough terrains or even just for dramatic effect. The folding & extending subsystem 104 utilizes a motorized device capable actuating a folding and unfolding motorized member(s), which in this embodiment comprises two elongate guiding members 114 (also referred to as legs or struts) and associated actuating components. The folding & extending subsystem 104 further includes an ability to extend the motorized member(s) and can comprise either of (i) telescoping pneumatic actuators (made up of a series of cylinders that are guided by piston rods, whereby air is forced into the first cylinder and the first cylinder pushes the piston rod forward and extends the cylinder) or (ii) fluidic actuators (i.e., hydraulic actuators) that receive fluid from a pump, which is driven by the electric motor. The actuator, whether it be pneumatic or hydraulic, then converts the fluid's energy into rotary or linear motion.

[0064] The wheels 106 are preferably high traction, all-terrain (e.g., premium rubber) tires which allow for superior road holding/handling, i.e., the ability to corner, accelerate, brake, and maintain directional stability when moving in steady state condition. Coupled with the use of internal, elastic coil springs, a suspension system-like effect can be created to provide for a smoother ride still supporting said road holding/handling. The distal end of each leg 114 terminates in a receptacle (shown and described with greater detail in FIG. 5, front receptacle 134 at the front leg 114A, and rear receptacle 136 at the rear leg 114B) that serves as an axle mount for the wheels. In the pickup truck embodiment, each receptacle 134, 136 carries the pair of all-terrain wheels 106: for example, two front wheels on the front axle 134 and two rear wheels on the rear axle 136. The wheels 106 are large, knobby off-road tires, which not only improves the function of the tires, but the aesthetic appeal to same.

[0065] A front bumper 108 is attached to the front receptacle 134 and extends forward in a plane generally parallel to the ground when the vehicle is in the horizontal driving position. Likewise, a rear bumper 110 attaches to the rear receptacle 136 and extends rearward in parallel to the ground in the horizontal position 100A. These bumpers 108, 110 not only provide impact protection but also add length and a low balance point to the vehicle when installed, which can lower the center of gravity and improve stability. The bumpers 108, 110 are optionally removable for a more compact form. The overall structure thus comprises a central body 102 on a frame that can fold or unfold via the front and rear leg mechanisms, with four driven wheels 106 and protective bumpers at each end.

[0066] The platform 112 is oriented generally horizontal and is affixed to the underside of body 102, effectively serving as a chassis plate. Rotatable pivots 120 join each guiding member's proximal end to the platform's front and rear ends, allowing the legs 114A, 114B to swing relative to the body 102.

[0067] The guiding members 114 are hinged and telescoping supports that connect the body to the wheel assemblies. A first leg 114A is attached at the front end of the vehicle and a second leg 114B at the rear. Each leg 114 has a proximal end near the body 102 and a distal end carrying the wheels 106. The proximal ends of the legs are coupled to a rigid platform 112 that spans between the front and rear of the vehicle 100.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 2, one or more guiding members 114 are directly or indirectly attached to the body 102 at proximal ends of the one or more guiding members 114 to elongate a spatial distance between the body 102 and the wheels 106. Adjusting the one or more guiding members 114 rotational position with respect to the body 102 and/or adjust a length thereof can additionally assist with deploying the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 between a vertically oriented position 100E and a horizontally oriented position 100A. As shown in FIG. 2, the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 is capable of several intermediate positions 100B, 100C, 100D therebetween. As shown, the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can smoothly transition between the vertically oriented position 100E and the horizontally oriented position 100A without manual assistance, but rather automatically rotates the one or more guiding members 114 via the motorized device.

[0069] By way of example and not of limitation, the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can remain positionally in between either of the vertically oriented position 100E and the horizontally oriented position 100A at any of the intermediate positions 100B, 100C, 100D therebetween. In other words, the one or more guiding members 114 can rotate and remain fixed at any position beneath the body 102 ranging from being in-line with one another (180-degree difference in orientation) shown in FIG. 100A to being parallel to one another (0-degree difference in orientation) shown in FIG. 100E which can result in (given by way of example and not of limitation) angles of 30, 45, or 123 degrees in their respective orientations to one another such that the one or more guiding members 114 form varying upside-down V-shapes. Advantageously, this contributes to provoking a child's imagination of all the various possibilities of how the vehicle 100 can function promoting play and engagement rather than being solely an emulation of real-life vehicles which instead rely on the child's interest in the real-life vehicle to keep the child entertained.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, the folding & extending subsystem 104 enables two distinct transformational movements: (1) folding (reorientation) between horizontal and vertical orientations, and (2) extending/retracting (height adjustment) between a low-profile stance and an elevated stance. This is achieved by a combination of hinged movement at pivots 120 and telescoping action of the leg assemblies. Each guiding member 114 is telescopically coupled with an actuatable sleeve 116 that surrounds it. The sleeves 116 can slide relative to the inner guide members 114, effectively lengthening or shortening each leg. In the illustrated design, the sleeves 116 are of approximately equal length to the guides and can move independently on each leg to alter the distance between the platform 112 and the wheel axles. The rotatable pivots 120 are located at the proximal end of the one or more guiding members 114 that attach to external surfaces of the front and rear ends of the horizontally oriented platform 112.

[0071] FIG. 3 thus further illustrates an intermediate stage 100F during an extending/retracting operation, where the legs 114 are partially extended. As mentioned above, FIG. 2 shows elevation views 100A-100E of the vehicle transitioning through a folding process: starting from the normal horizontal position 100A, the vehicle begins to lift its front end (100B, 100C) by pivoting the front leg 114A upward at pivot 120 while the rear leg 114B remains extended. By 100D, the body 102 is angled upward, and at position 100E the vehicle achieves a vertical orientation, standing upright with the front end of the body pointed skyward. Throughout this process, the vehicle essentially performs a controlled wheel-stand: it pivots about the rear wheels while the legs 114A, 114B fold together. The vertical position 100E can be a stable configuration with the vehicle balancing on its rear wheels 106 and rear bumper 110, which can act like a support foot. From this upright state, an extending process can be initiated to raise the body further or to return it to horizontal. By actuating both sleeves 116 in unison, the vehicle can raise its body 102 vertically upward when upright, or conversely lower it. For example, when the vehicle is upright like a tower 100E, extending the legs (sleeves 116 moving to lengthen the guides) will push the body higher off the ground (100F, 100G), and retracting them will pull the body down.

[0072] FIG. 4 shows the vehicle in a fully retracted position 100G, where the legs 114A, 114B are drawn in to their shortest length. In the fully retracted state, the body 102 is at its lowest height above the ground: a low rider or speedster stance optimized for speed and stability. Conversely, a fully extended position 100E (in horizontal mode) would have the legs at maximum length, raising the chassis for maximum ground clearance. The folding & extending subsystem 104 is thus capable of both tilting the orientation of the vehicle and altering its ride height, under precise control, to achieve dynamic, robust, and reversible transformations. Mechanical stops or locks may be provided at the extreme positions (horizontal and vertical) to ensure the vehicle securely holds those orientations during operation.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, on the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 the folding & extending subsystem 104 the sleeves 116 can move independently with respect to the one or more sleeves 116. The sleeves 116 are preferably equivalent in number to a number of the one or more guiding members 114. The sleeves 116 can each encompass the one or more guiding members 114 respectively.

[0074] The guides 114 and sleeves 116 can utilize tracks, also called runners, which allow the guides 114 and sleeves 116 to smoothly glide along one another. The tracks can utilize ball bearings or nylon rollers to move the sleeves 116 along a set of tracks located on the guides 114. Alternatively, the tracks can be located directly on the sleeves 116.

[0075] In the instance in which ball bearings are used, the ball bearings can be held in place with small cages or retainers and roll between the tracks to reduce friction. The ball bearings can help improve durability, precision, and quiet operation. A more cost-effective option than ball bearings are rollers, such as nylon rollers. These can be placed between the guides 114 and sleeves 116 to move smoothly past each other.

[0076] Dimensionally, the one or more sleeves 116 can comprise a substantially identical height as the one or more guides 114 so that they appear to completely overlap while the foldable-controlled vehicle 100 is in the fully retracted position 100G. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5 always shows a top of the sleeve 116 nearest the proximal end of the guides 114. This top of the sleeve 116 is at a height that can at least be level with a top of the guide 114 immediately prior the rotatable pivots 120, in which the guides 114 and the sleeves 116 can be level at their tops thereof when the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 is in the fully retracted position 100G and in the fully extended position 100F. Contrastingly, as shown in FIG. 3 the guides 114 can be seen beneath the sleeves 116, but the guides 114 cannot be seen in FIG. 4 from a front elevation view due to the sleeves 116 retracting over the guides 114. However, it is to be appreciated that an alternative embodiment can exist where offset of the guides 114 and sleeves 116 are reversed, and the height of the top of the guides 114 is the most above the height of the top of the sleeves 116 when the foldable remote-controlled vehicle 100 is in the fully extended position 100F.

[0077] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 3, the foldable remote control vehicle 100 can comprise a first leg 114A and a second leg 114B corresponding to separate guides 114 extending from the vehicle 100.

[0078] Moreover, FIG. 4 shows that the at least one button 118 can be located on the one or more sleeves 116. Here, the vehicle's transformation is user-actuated via controls either on the vehicle or through the remote interface. In one embodiment, the subsystem 104 includes access to the dedicated buttons 118 on the exterior of the foldable remote control vehicle 100 (for instance, on the actuatable sleeve 116) and/or on the remote control, allowing a user to trigger the folding or extending actions. As shown in FIG. 4, three exemplary buttons 118A, 118B, 118C are provided on one side of the front sleeve 116, however it is to be appreciated a buttons could be placed on more than one side of the front sleeve 116 and/or some or all of the button(s) placed on the rear sleeve 116. In addition thereto or in lieu thereof, these buttons can be located on an external remote control 200, such as a remote control 200 shown in FIG. 7.

[0079] The vertical button 118A can actuate the folding & extending subsystem 104 to fold the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 into a vertically oriented position 100E (which can include those shown in FIGS. 3-4 of embodiments 100F, 100G), the specific position depending on how extended/retracted the folding & extending subsystem 104 on the remote-control vehicle 100 is. A horizontal button 118C can actuate the folding & extending subsystem 104 to fold the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 into the horizontally oriented position 100A.

[0080] Alternatively, a toggleable, folding button 118A, 118C actuates the folding & extending subsystem 104 to fold the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 between a horizontally oriented position 100A and the vertically oriented position 100E, 100F, 100G. When the button is pressed the first time, the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can enter the horizontally oriented position 100A, and when pressed again will return to a vertically oriented position 100E, 100F, 100G, and so on and so forth. A toggleable, extending/retracting button 118B actuates the folding & extending subsystem 104 to extend and retract the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 between a fully extended position 100E and a fully retracted position 100G. When the button is pressed the first time, the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can enter the fully extended position 100E, and when pressed again can return the vehicle 100 to the fully retracted position 100G, and so on and so forth. The toggleable buttons can each be a simple push button that incorporates a push-latch mechanism and includes a pressed position and an unpressed position.

[0081] Alternatively still, the button 118A can comprise a vertical urging button 118A and the button 118C can comprise a horizontal urging button 118C such that pressing the vertical urging button 118A will result in urging the vehicle towards the vertical oriented position 100E and will not completely transition the vehicle 100 to the vertical position 100E. Similarly, pressing the horizontal urging button 118A will result in urging the vehicle towards the horizontal oriented position 100A and will not completely transition the vehicle 100 to the horizontal position 100A. As such, a specific position between the horizontal position 100A and the vertical position 100E can be maintained for the vehicle to operate at such as (by way of example and not of limitation) those shown in FIG. 2 of positions 100B, 100C, and 100D. In this instance, the button 118B can function as a vertical placement button 118B which can be on a continuous loop. As such, when pressed, the vertical placement button 118B will either urge the folding & extending subsystem 104 up or down depending on where it is in the loop to urge the vehicle towards a height of the vehicle 100 to either be higher or lower to ultimately reach the fully extended position 100F or the fully retracted position 100G which can be stopped at by releasing the vertical placement button 118B.

[0082] The foldable remote control vehicle 100 may incorporate limit switches, sensors or timed sequences to automatically stop movement when the fully extended position 100E or fully retracted position 100G is achieved. The use of separate controls for orientation and height allows the operator to first fold/unfold the vehicle and then adjust its height, or vice versa. In some embodiments, a single toggle button 118 could be used to cycle through preset configurations (for instance, a programmed sequence to go from low-horizontal to tall-vertical at one touch), but providing discrete controls 118A-C affords finer manual control. Internally, the folding & extending subsystem 104 may utilize one or more electric actuators (such as DC gearmotors driving lead-screw jacks or rack-and-pinion sliders within the sleeves 116) to perform the leg movements. These actuators are connected to the onboard control circuit, which executes the fold or extend commands when the user presses the corresponding button. The transformation is designed to be dynamic yet robust and reversible, meaning the vehicle can repeatedly switch forms without structural damage and can hold each form stably until commanded otherwise. This represents a significant functional improvement over traditional RC toys and stunt-based, flipping RC toys, which lack a means to lock into a different configuration.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 5, the one or more guiding members 114 can comprise a first leg 114A that directly attaches to a front receptacle 134 and a second leg 114B that directly attaches to a second receptacle 136. The first receptacle 134 and the second receptacle 136 are each configured as an axle and can each attach to a pair of the all-terrain wheels 106.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the front bumper 108 can be attached to the front receptacle 134 and extends from the front receptacle 134 in a direction parallel to the ground while the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 is in the vertically oriented position 100E. The rear bumper 110 is attached to the rear receptacle 136 and extends from the rear receptacle 136 in a direction parallel to the ground while the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 is in the vertically oriented position 100E. The front bumper 108 and rear bumper 110 can be removable, and when attached to the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can help to increase a length of the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 in the vertical position 100E and thereby lower a center of gravity of the foldable remote-control vehicle 100. This can help prevent unwanted flipping of the foldable remote-control vehicle.

[0085] Advantageously, the bumpers 108, 110 simultaneously function as spoilers when the vehicle 100 is transitioned to the horizontal position 100A. This is because once the folding & extending subsystem 104 pivots about the rotatable pivots 120 at their proximal ends that the bumpers 108, 110 transition from a parallel position with the ground (extending out in a direction parallel to ground) when in the vertical position 100E, to instead having the bumpers 108, 110 extend substantially perpendicular away from the ground.

[0086] Advantageously, the varying functionality of the bumpers 108, 110 and the attaching and removing of the bumpers 108, 110 can contribute to provoking a child's imagination via customizability for how the vehicle 100 can function thus promoting creativity and engagement rather than being solely an emulation of real life vehicles which instead rely on the child's interest in the real-life vehicle to keep the child entertained.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6 during operation, the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can move along the ground along a direction of travel 140. The direction of travel 140 is planar in nature where the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 travels on land. However, it is to be appreciated that the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can be an off-road vehicle, an aquatic vehicle, or an aeronautical vehicle. The body 102 can therefore emulate a shape of road vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, spacecraft, and the like.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the body 102 emulates the cab of a pickup truck and further includes features emulating a windshield 122, headlights 124, taillights 126, a grille 128A, a tailgate 128B, and a truck bed 130. The foldable remote-control vehicle 100 therefore is meant to travel solely on land. The off-road pickup truck embodiment includes numerous ornamental and functional details best seen in FIGS. 5-6. At the front of the body 102, a windshield 122 is formed in the upper cab, and a textured grille 128A is molded into the front fascia. Flanking the grille are front headlights 124, which may be implemented as clear lenses over LEDs, to emulate real truck headlights. At the rear of the body, a tailgate 128B is depicted, and taillights 126 are positioned on either side of the tailgate, which can also be illuminated by red LEDs for realism. The top of the rear portion of the body forms a truck bed 130, which in the toy design serves as a stylized surface. Optionally, it could be used to carry small action figures or accessories.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 is an aquatic vehicle capable of moving through water, and the body 102 emulates aircraft carrier in the horizontally oriented position 100A and a lighthouse in the vertically oriented position 100E, 100F, 100G. The aquatic vehicle comprises an impeller and includes watertight seals surrounding the rotatable pivots 120 to maintain integrity of electronic components therein. In this embodiment, the platform 112 can be much wider and include substantial hollow portions therein for buoyancy of the vehicle.

[0090] According to yet another embodiment, the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 is an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of flight. The body 102 emulates a drone in the horizontally oriented position 100A and an aircraft hangar in the vertically oriented position 100E, 100F, 100G. The drone includes four propellers each located at a distal end of four guiding members 114 that make up the one or more guiding members 114.

[0091] The vehicle is preferably outfitted with artificial lighting or light fixtures 132 on its exterior surfaces for a flashy appearance and nighttime play. Artificial lighting or light fixtures 132 including LEDs and electroluminescent wires can be implemented within the apparatus or system to achieve a practical or aesthetic affect consistent with the objects of the present disclosure, such as illuminating an area for visibility or for warning others about a potential hazard. Nonlimiting examples of artificial lighting include incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, parabolic aluminized reflector lamps, fluorescent lamps, electrodeless or induction lamps, laser lamps, light emitting diode (LED) lamps, electron-stimulated luminescence lamps, combustion-based lamps (e.g., gas lamps, oil lamps), arc lamps, gas discharge lamps, and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. Light fixtures generally require a power source, even if the power source is not immediately apparent to the naked eye.

[0092] By way of the example shown in FIG. 5, LEDs or electroluminescent wires 132 may be placed in the wheel hubs or on the sides of the legs, and particularly along the wheel wells with LED channels 138. For example, the fender arches above each wheel 106 can have integrated channel features 138 that house LED light strips or fiber-optic elements, creating a neon under-glow effect around the wheels (mimicking neon ground effects). When the vehicle is in motion, these LEDs can illuminate the wheels and ground, producing a vibrant streak of light. In one implementation, the LEDs 132 are programmed with up to eight distinct color combinations, allowing the user to choose different lighting modes, for instance, solid colors or cycling through colors. Additional LEDs 132 may be placed on the front bumper 108 (e.g. white LEDs simulating fog lights) or on the body (e.g. a light bar on the roof of the cab) to enhance the aesthetic. These lighting features are powered by the vehicle's battery and can be activated via the remote control or by an automatic setting.

[0093] Optional features such as sound effects (e.g. engine roars or futuristic transformation sounds) can be included as well. For instance, a small speaker inside the body 102 could play sounds when the vehicle folds or when the headlights turn on, to enrich the play experience. Such features are not essential to the core invention and may be turned off or omitted in certain models, marked as optional to comply with various regulations and to clarify they do not affect the claimed mechanical structure.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 5-6 and 9, additional LEDs 132 can be included on an external surface of the body 102. Some of the LEDs 132 preferably point below the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 so that an area beneath the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 is illuminated.

[0095] The remote-control vehicle 100 can include holes in the body and/or channels in either the body or wheel well 138 where LEDs 132 can be positioned, as is shown and described in co-owned U.S. Pre-grant Pub. No. 2022/0161149A1, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0096] The channels or holes allow for electroluminescent wires/pipes to be placed therethrough or therein, thereby allowing a user to be able to customize the look and/or function of the foldable remote-control vehicle 100. The foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can still be re-piped and customized after an initial use.

[0097] In particular, the light fixtures 132 are preferably LEDs emulating effects of neon lighting so as to best grab the attention of a child and to further promote visibility of the remote-control vehicle 100 in situations of low lighting, such as outdoor use at night. For this reason, it can be highly beneficial to install the lights 132 at a visible location on the body 102. Embodiments where the lights 132 spin with the tires because they are placed thereon. Further, there can still exist in some limited embodiments the use of mechanical components permitting free and/or counter rotation, such as bushings or bearings, such that rotation in the lights 132 may be permitted but is not directly driven by rotation of the tires. In such embodiments, rotation of the lights 132 may be faster or slower than rotation of the wheels 106.

[0098] Single colored LEDs or multiple colored LED modules capable of changing color can be employed, depending on the intended application/configuration of the foldable remote-control vehicle 100. In preferred embodiments, the light fixtures 132 of some channels are similarly sized and thus interchangeable with at least some of the light fixtures 132 of other distinct locations, or, at the very least, can be replaced with light fixtures of other colors which are also included with the initial kit provided to the user. To allow for even further customization of the aesthetics of the foldable remote-control vehicle 100, other objects which product neon effects can be provided therewith. For example, neon glow paints, markers with neon ink, phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark materials), etc. can be provided so that the user can apply said neon glow paints to the body of the vehicle.

[0099] The vehicle 100 can be run by first installing a battery and turning on a power switch on the remote 200 shown in FIG. 7. The foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can include vibrant lights 132, and can be equipped with a roll cage, if desired. It is preferred the remote-control vehicle 100 of this embodiment be provided with a 2.4 MHz remote transmitter 200, two 3.7V 500 mAh lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries, four AA Batteries, and a universal serial bus (USB) charging cable. The remote 200 suggests a pistol-grip transmitter with a steering wheel knob; accordingly, the front wheels 106 may be linked by a steering linkage to a small servo motor, allowing the user to steer the vehicle left or right.

[0100] The body 102 can be a steady chassis and house one or more strong power motors. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can be powered by dual motors 300 that power the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 and can be positioned within the body 102 or the platform 112.

[0101] The wheels 106 can be driven by an internal drivetrain connected to dual motors 300. In one preferred configuration, the vehicle uses a four-wheel drive system: for example, one electric motor drives the pair of wheels on one axle (front or rear) while the second motor drives the other axle. This dual-motor 4WD provides improved torque and traction on uneven terrain. Alternatively, the dual motors 300 can be arranged in a tank-steering configuration, where one motor drives the left-side wheels and the other drives the right-side wheels, allowing the vehicle to turn by differential wheel speeds and even enabling in-place spins. In the depicted pickup truck toy, a more traditional arrangement is used: one motor powers the rear wheels and the front wheels are steerable. The foldable remote-control vehicle 100 is capable of forward and reverse drive, steering, and even stunts like 360 spins or flips if driven aggressively. The foldable remote-control vehicle 100 can perform flips and spins on two wheels as a stunt when the folding mechanism is not engaged. Unlike prior stunt vehicles that flip unpredictably, the foldable remote-control vehicle 100 folding mechanism 104 allows deliberate, controlled reorientation of the entire vehicle when desired. The suspension of the wheels 106 can be either fixed or sprung; here the wheels are mounted to the rigid axle receptacles 134, 136 for simplicity, but small compression springs or dampers could be incorporated at the pivot joints 120 or in the wheel hubs to absorb shocks. In upright mode, the vehicle can also drive, albeit with different behavior. When fully folded vertically, the vehicle balances on its rear wheels, so forward/backward commands will spin it in place or cause it to walk on two wheels, with assistance of the rear bumper 110 as a stabilizer. The robust design of the drivetrain and leg joints ensures it can handle the stresses of changing orientations and even crashing while folded, without structural failure.

[0102] All moving joints and mechanical parts are preferably made of durable materials to resist mechanical failures (e.g., cracking or shearing) under repeated use. The foldable remote control vehicle 100 is constructed from a combination of durable lightweight materials, chosen to withstand the stresses of play and the folding mechanics. The body 102 and platform 112 are preferably made of injection-molded thermoplastic polymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate, which provide a good balance of toughness and moldability. These plastics can endure impacts (e.g. collisions or drops) without cracking. The guiding members 114 (legs) and actuatable sleeves 116 may be made of a rigid material like fiber-reinforced nylon or polycarbonate, or even lightweight metals (e.g. aluminum alloys) for extra strength. Using an aluminum or steel inner rod for the guide 114 with a plastic outer sleeve 116 can provide smooth telescoping action while keeping weight moderate. The wheel axles (receptacles 134, 136) and pivot pins 120 are preferably metal (steel or brass) to resist shear forces. The all-terrain wheels 106 have rims that can be plastic or lightweight aluminum, with tires made of rubber or a soft elastomer (such as TPU) for high grip. The tire tread is deep to handle dirt, gravel, and grass. Any gear mechanisms (e.g., gear teeth in the telescoping drives, or the drivetrain gears) are made of wear-resistant materials: acetal resin (POM) or sintered metal gears for the gearboxes, for example. Electrical connectors and wiring use insulated copper conductors, routed internally away from moving parts. In aquatic vehicles, all metal components are preferably corrosion-resistant (stainless steel shafts, anodized aluminum legs, etc.), and the hull (body) may be a ABS/polycarbonate blend that is waterproof. Aerial embodiments such as drones can use more lightweight materials: the arms could be carbon fiber tubes or nylon, and the propellers of reinforced plastic.

[0103] Optionally included with the toy system or kit is packaging 400, as shown in FIG. 9. The packaging 400 typically encompasses a portion of or completely subsumes at least the foldable remote-control vehicle 100, the remote control 200, and the dual motors 300. The packaging 400 can comprise plastics, thermoplastics, glass, wood, wood wool, paper, paperboard, corrugated cardboard, other biodegradable or recyclable materials, or the like. The packaging 400 can comprise, but is not limited to comprising, a product identifier 402, such as a word or trademark, on the packaging 400; a source identifier 404, such as a word or trademark, on the packaging 400; image(s) 406 of at least one component and/or the entirety of the toy system or kit on or near the packaging 400; instructions 408 for using a part or all of the toy system or kit, warnings for using a part or all of the toy system or kit; QR codes 410 for engaging social aspects of related media; suggested age groups for using the system or kit; and/or a hang tab from which the packaging 400 can hang from shelves in public stores, where the toy system or kit is then marketed for children. Perforations, folds, pull strings, and/or other predefined points of failure which facilitate ripping, cutting, and/or opening can be included in or with the product packaging 400. A carrying case having a handle can be included to store components of the toy system or kit.

[0104] According to some other aspects of the present disclosure, a child can use the toy system or kit with their friends or to engage social media. For example, children can share with other children the contents of their collection, which may potentially lead to children trading items of their collection to other children for items in their collection.

[0105] A person can be broadcasted on a social media platform opening selected replicas to salvage treasure contained therein. The social media platform may be accessed through a network. The network could, for example, be a wide area network (WAN), a TCP/IP based network, a cellular network, a local area network (LAN), a neighborhood area network (NAN), a home area network (HAN), or a personal area network (PAN) employing any of a variety of communications protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, near field communication (NFC), etc., although other types of networks are possible and are contemplated herein. The network typically allows communication between the communications module and the central location during moments of low-quality connections. Communications through the network can be protected using one or more encryption techniques, such as those techniques provided in the IEEE 802.1 standard for port-based network security, pre-shared key, Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and the like.

[0106] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present disclosure accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.

[0107] For example, the present disclosure clearly shows how to provide a remote-controlled vehicle with a dynamic, robust, and reversible multi-orientation transformation, thereby enabling the vehicle to operate in different configurations or modes while maintaining reliable remote control.

[0108] Stated another way, the challenge is to design a remote-control vehicle that can take at least two distinct forms (e.g. low-profile and upright) on command, without sacrificing stability, control, or structural integrity, and to do so in a repeatable manner suitable for play. The present disclosure thus enables a large change in ground clearance (or orientation) without manual reassembly, and ensures the vehicle remains operable (drive-able or functional) in each form.

[0109] Finally, it is thus evidenced that the present disclosure inventively builds on other RC technologies, such as the technology shown and described in Pre-grant Pub. No. 2022/0161149A1, also to the present inventor. Specifically, the present disclosure now enables the vehicle to actively change configurations beyond momentary flips for stunt purposes.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0110] The following table of reference characters and descriptors are not exhaustive, nor limiting, and include reasonable equivalents. If possible, elements identified by a reference character below and/or those elements which are near ubiquitous within the art can replace or supplement any element identified by another reference character.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 List of Reference Characters 100 foldable remote-control vehicle 100A first, horizontal position in folding process 100B second, angled position in folding process 100C third, angled position in folding process 100D fourth, angled position in folding process 100E fifth, vertical position in folding process and extending process 100F sixth, vertical position in extending process 100G seventh, vertical position in extending process 102 body 104 folding & extending subsystem 106 all-terrain wheels 108 front bumper 110 rear bumper 112 platform 114 guiding members (e.g., guides or legs) 114A first leg or strut 114B second leg or strut 116 actuatable sleeves 118 buttons 118A vertical button 118B extending button 118C horizontal button 120 pivot 122 windshield 124 headlight 126 taillight 128A grille 128B tailgate 130 truck bed 132 LEDs 134 front receptable 136 rear receptacle 138 wheel well with channels for LEDs 140 direction of travel 200 remote control 300 dual motors 400 packaging 402 product identifier 404 source identifier 406 image 408 instructions 410 QR codes

Glossary

[0111] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present disclosure pertain.

[0112] The terms a, an, and the include both singular and plural referents.

[0113] The term or is synonymous with and/or and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.

[0114] As used herein, the term exemplary refers to an example, an instance, or an illustration, and does not indicate a most preferred embodiment unless otherwise stated.

[0115] The term about as used herein refers to slight variations in numerical quantities with respect to any quantifiable variable. Inadvertent error can occur, for example, through use of typical measuring techniques or equipment or from differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components.

[0116] The term substantially refers to a great or significant extent. Substantially can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and/or a supermajority of said quantifiable variables, given proper context.

[0117] The term generally encompasses both about and substantially.

[0118] The term configured describes structure capable of performing a task or adopting a particular configuration. The term configured can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as constructed, arranged, adapted, manufactured, and the like.

[0119] Terms characterizing sequential order, a position, and/or an orientation are not limiting and are only referenced according to the views presented.

[0120] The invention is not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompass all possible embodiments as described in the specification and the claims. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the disclosure is further qualified as including any possible modification to any of the aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein which would result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, or the like that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.