Suspension module for a toy vehicle

Abstract

An interchangeable suspension module for use in a toy vehicle comprising: a suspension block and one or more wheels rotatably mounted on the suspension block. The suspension module is removably mountable on the toy vehicle by a user. The user can modify the performance of the toy vehicle by removing from the toy vehicle one interchangeable suspension module which imparts a certain performance to the toy vehicle, and replacing it with a second interchangeable suspension module which imparts a different performance. A toy vehicle having a chassis that is adapted to receive one or more interchangeable suspension modules is also provided.

1 . An interchangeable suspension module for use in a toy vehicle having a chassis, the interchangeable suspension module comprising:
 a suspension block; and   one or more wheels rotatably mounted on the suspension block;   
       wherein the interchangeable suspension module is removably mountable on the toy vehicle by a user; and 
       wherein performance of the toy vehicle is modifiable by the user, by removing from the toy vehicle a first interchangeable suspension module having at least one first value of at least one performance property and mounting on the toy vehicle a second interchangeable suspension module having at least one second value of the at least one performance property, the at least one first value being different from the at least one second value. 
     
     
         2 . The interchangeable suspension module of  claim 1  wherein the at least one performance property is one or more of weight, wheel friction, wheel width, wheel radius and wheel grip. 
     
     
         3 . The interchangeable suspension module of  claim 1  wherein the suspension block further comprises a biasing element to bias the one or more wheels in a direction away from the chassis when the toy vehicle is in operation. 
     
     
         4 . The interchangeable suspension module of  claim 3  wherein the biasing element comprises a spring. 
     
     
         5 . The interchangeable suspension module of  claim 1  wherein the one or more wheels are each rotatably mounted on an axle. 
     
     
         6 . The interchangeable suspension module of  claim 5  wherein at least one surface area of contact between the one or more wheels and the axle is reduced to minimize rolling friction when the toy vehicle is in operation. 
     
     
         7 . The interchangeable suspension module of  claim 5  wherein at least one of the axle and the one or more wheels are coated with a friction-reducing material. 
     
     
         8 . The interchangeable suspension module of  claim 7  wherein the friction-reducing material is TEFLON. 
     
     
         9 . A toy vehicle comprising a chassis adapted to receive one or more interchangeable suspension modules according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         10 . A kit comprising:
 a plurality of interchangeable suspension modules according to  claim 1 ; and   a toy vehicle comprising a chassis adapted to receive each of the plurality of interchangeable suspension modules.