Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Photocell controlled circuit
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-23
2001-05-01
Allen, Stephone B. (Department: 2878)
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Photocell controlled circuit
C250S231100, C250S215000, C180S205200, C446S446000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06225615
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an amusement device, more particularly to a motor driven surface translating amusement device that includes a light sensor for movement control.
2. Description of the Related Art
Even though there are a wide variety of motor driven surface translating amusement devices, such as toy cars, currently available in the market, there is still a constant need to develop new amusement devices of the aforesaid type that can entice consumers to purchase the same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a motor driven surface translating amusement device that includes a light sensor for movement control.
According to the present invention, a motor driven surface translating amusement device comprises:
a base having front and rear base parts;
a rear wheel unit including a pair of coaxial rear wheels mounted rotatably on the rear base part about a horizontal axis;
a transmission mechanism mounted on the front base part, the transmission mechanism including a bi-directional motor operable so as to provide forward and reverse drive power outputs, and a vertical drive shaft driven rotatably by the motor;
a control unit including a light sensor mounted on the base for detecting changes in light intensity thereat, the control unit being connected electrically to and controlling the motor to provide an appropriate one of the forward and reverse drive power outputs in accordance with the light intensity detected by the light sensor;
a clutch mechanism sleeved rotatably on the drive shaft, the clutch mechanism being in frictional engagement with the drive shaft for co-rotation therewith;
a rotation restricting unit provided on the base and the clutch mechanism for restricting angular rotation of the clutch mechanism relative to the base; and
a front wheel unit disposed on the front base part and cooperating with the rear wheel unit so as to be adapted to support the base on a surface, the front wheel unit including a front wheel axle mounted rotatably on the clutch mechanism transverse to the drive shaft, the front wheel unit being coupled to and being driven rotatably by the drive shaft for movement of the base on the surface, the front wheel unit rotating with the clutch mechanism relative to the base about the drive shaft between a first position, where the front wheel axle is generally parallel to the horizontal axis of the rear wheel unit such that the front and rear wheel units enable linear translation movement of the base on the surface, and a second position, where the front wheel axle forms an angle with the horizontal axis of the rear wheel unit such that the front and rear wheel units enable turning movement of the base on the surface.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4229649 (1980-10-01), Hawkins et al.
patent: 4345662 (1982-08-01), Deplante
patent: 4662854 (1987-05-01), Fang
patent: 5596255 (1997-01-01), Miyazawa
Allen Stephone B.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Dah Yang Toy Industries Co., Ltd.
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