US20130309938A1

US20130309938A1 - Toy vehicle having variable heights

Info

Publication number: US20130309938A1
Application number: US13/733,184
Authority: US
Inventors: Mike HOULAHAN; Samatha WETTIMUNY; Yuan Guo Hong; Timothy RETTBERG; York Bleyer
Original assignee: RIDEMAKERZ
Current assignee: RIDEMAKERZ; Ridemakerz LLC
Priority date: 2012-05-15
Filing date: 2013-01-03
Publication date: 2013-11-21

Abstract

A toy vehicle comprises a frame, a suspension arm pivotally coupled to the frame and arranged under a portion of the frame, at least one wheel coupled to the suspension arm, and a height switching unit coupled to the frame and the suspension arm and configured to move the portion of the frame between a non-elevated position and an elevated position.

Description

This application claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/647,111, filed on May 15, 2012, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

One embodiment is directed generally to a toy, and in particular to a toy vehicle configured to switch among various height positions.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A toy vehicle is a popular item with a child as he/she is learning to move and manipulate rolling items across different surfaces and terrains. Typically, a toy vehicle has two or more pairs of wheels, e.g., front wheel pair and rear wheel pair. Each wheel pair is either attached directly to a frame or attached to an axle that is held by the frame. Toy vehicles are sometimes equipped with pull back spring system or an electric motor to provide propulsion, and may also include a remote control system.

SUMMARY

One embodiment is a toy vehicle that comprises a frame, a suspension arm pivotally coupled to the frame and arranged under a portion of the frame, at least one wheel coupled to the suspension arm, and a height switching unit coupled to the frame and the suspension arm and configured to move the portion of the frame between a non-elevated position and an elevated position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of a toy vehicle that can implement an embodiment of the invention, of which front and rear portions are in an non-elevated position.

FIG. 1B is another side view of the toy vehicle shown in FIG. 1A, of which the front and rear portions are in an elevated position.

FIG. 1C is another side view of the toy vehicle shown in FIG. 1A, of which the front portion is in the non-elevated position and the rear portion is in the elevated position.

FIG. 1D is another side view of the toy vehicle shown in FIG. 1A, of which the front portion is in the elevated position and the rear portion is in the non-elevated position.

FIG. 2A is a side view of an example of a chassis of the toy vehicle shown in FIG. 1A that can implement an embodiment of the invention, of which front and rear portions are in the non-elevated position.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the chassis shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is another side view of the chassis shown in FIG. 2A, of which the front and rear portions are both in the elevated position.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the chassis shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the chassis shown in FIG. 2A, of which the front portion is in the elevated position and the rear portion is in the non-elevated position.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the chassis shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of an example of another chassis that can implement an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view the chassis shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the chassis shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D is a partial enlarged top perspective view of the chassis shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E is another partial enlarged top perspective view of the chassis shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6F is another partial enlarged top perspective view of the chassis shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6G is a partial enlarged side perspective view of the chassis shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of a wheel hub attachment.

FIG. 7B is a side view of a chassis with the wheel hub attachment shown in FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment is a toy vehicle that is configured to switch among various height positions. Different portions of the toy vehicle can individually switch between a non-elevated position and an elevated position. The toy vehicle can be configured to individually lock and unlock different portions in and from the non-elevated position. A knob or button can be provided to unlock each portion of the toy vehicle from the non-elevated position. Due to its ability to switch among different height positions, the toy vehicle can be more fun and amusing to play with.
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D show an example of a toy vehicle 10 that can implement an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, toy vehicle 10 is configured to adjust heights of one or more portions thereof. For example, FIG. 1A shows toy vehicle 10 in a standard position, in which front portion 10A and rear portion 10B of toy vehicle 10 are in an non-elevated position. FIG. 1B shows toy vehicle 10 in a “fully-up” position, in which both front and rear portions 10A, 10B are in an elevated position. FIG. 1C shows toy vehicle 10 in a “rear-up” position, in which front portion 10A is in the non-elevated position and rear portion 10B is in the elevated position. FIG. 1D shows vehicle 10 in a “front-up” position, in which front portion 10A is in the elevated position and rear portion 10B is in the non-elevated position.
In the standard mode, front and rear portions 10A, 10B of toy vehicle 10 maintain normal heights from the ground. To switch from the standard position to the “fully-up” position, both front and rear portions 10A, 10B of toy vehicle 10 are elevated. To switch from the standard position to the rear-up position, only rear portion 10B is elevated and front portion 10A maintains the normal height, as shown in FIG. 1C. To switch from the standard position to the front-up position, front portion 10A is elevated and rear portion 10B maintains the normal height. By elevating or lowering one or both of front and rear portions 10A, 10B, toy vehicle 10 can switch from one position to another. In another embodiment, toy vehicle 10 is configured to switch between only two positions. For example, toy vehicle 10 can be configured to switch between the standard position and one of the front-up and rear-up positions.
In one embodiment, toy vehicle 10 includes a body 100, one or more wheels (e.g., front wheel 110 and rear wheel 120), a frame 200, one or more suspension arms 300 (e.g., front suspension arm 300A and rear suspension arm 300B). Wheels 110, 120, frame 200, suspension arms 300 constitute a chassis 50 of toy vehicle 10, which is shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 4. In one embodiment, chassis 50 is configured to enable switching among the different height positions. FIGS. 2A and 2B show chassis 50 in the standard position. FIGS. 3A and 3B show chassis 50 in the fully-raised position. FIG. 4 shows chassis 50 in the front-up position.
Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 4 concurrently, in one embodiment, front and rear suspension arms 300A, 300B are arranged under front and rear portions of frame 200. One end of front suspension arm 300A is pivotally coupled to frame 200 via a front rod 140A. The other end of front suspension arm 300A is coupled to a front axle 160A. Front wheels 110A, 110B are coupled to both ends of front axle 160A. Similarly, one end of rear suspension arm 300B is pivotally coupled to frame 200 via a rear rod 140B. The other end of rear suspension arm 300B is coupled to a rear axle 160B. Rear wheels 120A, 120B are coupled to both ends of rear axle 160B. In another embodiment, front wheels 110A, 100B and rear wheels 120A, 120B are coupled directly to front suspension arm 300A and rear suspension arm 300B.
In an embodiment, chassis 50 includes a height switching mechanism/unit that enables different portions of toy vehicle 10 to switch between the non-elevated position and the elevated position. The height switching mechanism/unit includes a locking mechanism/unit that can lock and unlock different portions of toy vehicle 10 in and from the non-elevated position. For example, FIG. 5 is an exploded view of chassis 50 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 4, which illustrates an example of the height switching mechanism implemented in chassis 50. Front suspension arm 300A includes a main body 302, a pair of legs 304, a pair of front axle holders 306, a pair of front rod holders 308, and a bottom pillar 310. Front rod holder pair 308 includes a pair of rod holes 320. Front axle holder pair 306 includes a pair of front axle holes 330. In an embodiment, bottom pillar 310 extends upwardly from main body 302. Bottom pillar 310 has a hollow construction to laterally surround a through hole 314, which extends from an opening (not shown) formed at a bottom surface of main body 302 and a top opening formed at a top of bottom pillar 310. Bottom pillar 310 includes a slit 312 that extends vertically to expose through hole 314. In an embodiment, bottom pillar 310 has a cylindrical shape having the openings at it top and bottom ends, but other shapes and configurations are also contemplated.
In an embodiment, a front portion of frame 200 is configured to engage various constructions arranged on front suspension arm 300A, such as, e.g., bottom pillar 310, front axle holders 306 and front rod holders 308. Frame 200 includes a top pillar 210, a pair of front rod holder receptacles 220, a front axle slit 230 and a front axle cover 232. Top pillar 210 has a hollow construction. A hollow core of top pillar 210 extends from an opening (not shown) formed at the bottom surface of frame 200. The hollow core of top pillar 210 is configured such that bottom pillar 310 is inserted into the hollow core when front suspension arm 300A and frame 200 are folded together. Top pillar 210 has a cylindrical shape, but other shapes are also contemplated. A top hole 212 is formed on a top wall of top pillar 210. A cutout 214 is also formed on the top wall of top pillar 210 and connected to top hole 212. Cutout 214 is aligned with slit 312 of bottom pillar 310A.
Front rod holder receptacles 220 have openings (not shown), through which front rod holders 308 of front suspension arm 300 are inserted. Once front rod holder pair 308 is inserted into the openings of front rod holder receptacle pair 220 and protrudes above frame 200, front rod 140A is inserted into front rod hole pair 320 of front rod holders 308 to pivotally couple front suspension arm 300A to frame 200. Front axle 160A (shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B) is inserted into front axle hole pair 330 of front axle holder pair 306. Front wheel pair 110A, 110B is coupled to both end of front axle 160A. When frame 200 and front suspension arm 300A are folded together, front axle 160A is inserted into front axle slit 230, which is covered by front axle cover 232.
Front spring 170A is provided to urge frame 200 and front suspension arm 300A away from each other. Other urging mechanisms are also contemplated. In an embodiment, front spring 170A is inserted into through hole 314 of bottom pillar 310 of front suspension arm 300A via the opening formed at the bottom surface of front suspension arm 300A. A top end of front spring 170A reaches the top wall of top pillar 210. A diameter of front spring 170A is larger than a diameter of top hole 212 of top pillar 210 such that front spring 170A does not escape through the top hole 212.
A front knob 130A is inserted into the opening formed at the bottom surface of front suspension arm 300A. In an embodiment, front knob 130A has a head 132 and an elongated body 138 extending from head 132. Head 132 engages front suspension arm 300A to cover the opening formed at the bottom surface of front suspension arm 300A. A screw hole 134 is formed at a top end of front knob 130A to engage a stopper, which is described below in detail. The diameter of front spring 170A is smaller than a diameter of head 132 and larger than a diameter of body 138. Body 138 is inserted into the opening formed at the bottom surface of front suspension arm 300A and through the center of front spring 170A.
In an embodiment, a protrusion 136 is formed on a side surface of body 138 of front knob 130A. Protrusion 136 is configured to slip through cutout 214 of top pillar 210 when front knob 130A is rotated to align protrusion 136 and cutout 214 together. The diameter of body 138 is smaller than the diameter of top hole 212 of top pillar 210 such that body 138 can move vertically through top hole 212 of top pillar 210. A stopper 150 is connected to the top end of the front knob 130A with the top wall of top pillar 210 therebetween. In an embodiment, stopper 150A is a screw that is screwed into screw hole 134 of front knob 130A. A head of screw 150 is larger than top hole 212 to limit a downward movement of front knob 130 while allowing body 138 of front knob 130A to move upwardly.
In an embodiment, front spring 170A is placed between head 132 of front knob 130 and the top wall of top pillar 210 and confined within a spring guide channel formed by top pillar 210 and bottom pillar 310. Having its bottom end blocked by head 132 of front knob 130A, front spring 170A urges the front portion of frame 200 upwardly when front wheels 110A, 110B coupled to front suspension arm 300A are placed on the ground, which results in elevating the front portion of frame 200. The elevation of frame 200 by the urging force from front spring 170A is stopped when screw 150 connected to the top end of front knob 130A contacts the top wall of top pillar 210, which places the front portion of chassis 50 in the elevated position, as shown in FIG. 3A.
To place the front portion of frame 200 in the non-elevated position, a user rotates head 132 of front knob 130A to align protrusion 136 with cutout 214 of top pillar 210. Then, the user pushes frame 200 and front suspension arm 300A toward each other, which compresses front spring 170A. When frame 200 and the front suspension arm 300A are being folded to engage each other, the top portion of body 138 of front knob 130A passes through top hole 212 of top pillar 210 and protrudes above top pillar 210. Also, protrusion 136 of front knob 130A passes through cutout 214 of top pillar 210. Then, the user rotates head 132 of front knob 130A, which in turn moves protrusion 136 away from cutout 214 and places protrusion 136 on a portion of top wall of top pillar 210 that surrounds top hole 212. Protrusion 136 placed on the top wall of top pillar 210 stops frame 200 and front suspension arm 300A from being pushed away from each other by front spring 170A compressed therebetween, thereby locking the front portion of frame 200 in the non-elevated position. When frame 200 and front suspension arm 300A are completely folded together, front axle 160A is placed in front axle slit 230 of frame 200. When the front wheels 110A, 1108 are placed on the ground, the front portion of frame 200 stays in the non-elevated position, as shown in FIG. 2A. In an embodiment, when the front portion of frame 200 is in the non-elevated position, frame 200 and front suspension arm 300A are substantially completely folded to maintain the height of the front portion of frame 200 as low as possible.
To switch from the non-elevated position to the elevate position, the user rotates the head 132 of front knob 130A to align protrusion 136 with cutout 214 of top pillar 210. Due to the expansion force of front spring 170A applied to the top wall of top pillar 210, protrusion 136 slips through cutout 214 of top pillar 210, and the top wall of top pillar 210 of frame 200 is automatically pushed upwardly, thereby unlocking the front portion of frame 200 from the non-elevated position. The upward movement of the front portion of frame 200 continues until the top wall of top pillar 210 contacts screw 150A coupled to the top end of front knob 130. Front axle 160A held by front axle holders 306 also escapes from front axle slit 230 of frame 200, and moves away from the front portion of frame 200. Therefore, when front wheels 110A, 110B are placed on the ground, the front portion of frame 200 is in the elevated position.
The rear portion of frame 200 and rear suspension arm 300B can be configured and operated in an identical or similar manner using a rear knob 130B, a rear screw 150B and a rear spring 170B. When the front and rear portions of frame 200 are both in the non-elevated position, toy vehicle 10 is placed in the standard position, as shown in FIG. 1A. When both the front and rear portions of frame 200 are in the elevated-position, toy vehicle 10 is placed in the fully-raised position, as shown in FIG. 1B. When only the rear portion of frame 200 is in the elevated position, toy vehicle 10 is placed in the rear-up position, as shown in FIG. 1C. When only the front portion of frame 200 is in the elevated position, toy vehicle 10 is placed in the front-up position, as shown in FIG. 1D. In an embodiment, front and rear springs 170A, 170B and front and rear suspension arms 300A, 300B function as suspensions/shock-absorbers of toy vehicle 10 when the front and rear portions of frame 200 are in the elevated position and the non-elevated position.
Other height switching mechanisms/units and locking mechanism/units are also contemplated. For example, FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F and 6G show an example of another chassis 50′ for toy vehicle 10 that can implement an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F and 6G concurrently, chassis 50′ includes a frame 200′, a front suspension arm 300A′ and a rear suspension arm 300B′. Similar to chassis 50 shown in FIG. 5, front and rear suspension arms 300A′, 300B′ are pivotally connected to frame 200′ via front and rear rods (not shown). A pair of springs 170, such as rear spring 170B′ shown in FIGS. 6D and 6G, are arranged between frame 200′ and front and rear suspension arms 300A′, 300B′.
In an embodiment, chassis 50′ includes an automatic locking mechanism/unit. For example, when frame 200′ and rear suspension arm 300B′ are pushed toward each other and folded, frame 200′ and rear suspension arm 300B′ stay folded, thereby locking the rear portion of frame 200′ in the non-elevated position. Frame 200′ and rear suspension arm 300B′ are separated from each other when a rear release button 180B is pushed by the user, thereby unlocking the rear portion of frame 200′ from the non-elevated position. Rear release button 180B is located on a rear bottom surface of frame 200′, as shown in FIG. 6B. Frame 200′ and front suspension arm 300B′ can be configured and operated in an identical or similar manner. The front portion of frame 200′ is unlocked from the non-elevated position when a front release button 180A is pushed by the user.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, frame 200′ has top pillar 210′ arranged at its rear portion. Top pillar 210′ has a hollow construction similar to top pillar 210 shown in FIG. 5. Top pillar 210′ has a top hole 212′ on its top wall. Top hole 212′extends in parallel to a longitudinal direction of frame 200′ to allow a lateral movement of a bottom pillar 310′ of rear suspension arm 300B′. A screw hole 312′ is formed at a top end of bottom pillar 310′. A screw (not shown) is screwed to screw hole 312B′ to stop the upward movement of frame 200′. As shown in FIGS. 6D and 6E, bottom pillar 310′ is inserted into a spring 170′. Rear spring 170′ is arranged between a bottom wall of rear suspension arm 300B′ and the top wall of top pillar 210′ to urge frame 200′ and rear suspension arm 300B′ away from each other.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6C, front and rear button holes 240A, 240B are formed at front and rear bottom portions of frames 200′. A rear release button 180B protrudes from rear button hole 240A. Rear release button 180B includes a bottom portion 182 and a top portion 184. Bottom portion 182 protrudes from rear button hole 240A to function as a release button. Top portion 184 is tapered and inserted into a through hole 196 of a locking tongue 190B which is arranged on a rear end of frame 200′, as shown in FIG. 6E. Locking tongue 190B is held by a tongue cover 175B, which is fixed to frame 200′. Locking tongue 190B further includes a tongue 192 and a spring guide 194. Spring guide 194 is inserted into a locking spring 195, which urges locking tongue 190B away from the rear end of frame 200′. When frame 200′ and rear suspension arm 300B′ are pushed toward each other, locking tongue 190B is urged by locking spring 195 toward the rear suspension arm 300B′. Tongue 192 is then automatically inserted into a locking hole 316′ (shown in FIGS. 6C and 6G) formed at a rear portion of rear suspension arm 300B′, thereby stopping frame 200′ and rear suspension arm 300B′ from being pushed away from each other by spring 170′. Therefore, the rear portion of frame 300′ is locked in the non-elevated position, as shown in FIG. 6B.
When the user pushes rear release button 180B, top portion 184 of rear release button 180B is pushed upwardly via through hole 196 of locking tongue 190B. The lower portion of top portion 184 of rear release button 180B that becomes gradually wider enters into through hole 196 and pushes locking tongue 190B backwardly against locking spring 195. Tongue 192 is then retracted from locking hole 316′ of rear suspension arm 300B′, which allows compressed spring 170′ to expand and push frame 200′ and rear suspension arm 300′ away from each other, thereby placing the rear portion of frame 200′ in the elevated position. Chassis 50′ also includes a locking tongue 190A, a tongue cover 175A, and a locking spring (not shown) to lock and the front portion of frame 200′ in and from the non-elevated position in an identical or similar manner.
In an embodiment, the rotating knob based height adjustment scheme shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4 and 5 and the push button based height adjustment scheme shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F and 6G may be used interchangeably. For example, in FIG. 5, one of front and rear suspension arms 300A, 300B uses the rotating knob based height adjustment scheme while the other uses the push button based height adjustment scheme. Also, one of front and rear suspension arms 300A, 300B does not use any height adjustment scheme at all while the other uses one of the rotating knob based height adjustment scheme and the push button based height adjustment scheme. Further, the rotating knob based height adjustment scheme and/or the push button based height adjustment scheme can be used together with other height adjustment schemes in toy vehicle 10.
In an embodiment, toy vehicle 10 includes a wheel hub attachment to make it easier to replace wheels 110, 120. FIG. 7A shows an example of a wheel hub attachment 400, which comprises a core 410 and a peripheral part 430, which are configured to detachably engage each other. In an embodiment, core 410 is stationary, which means that core 410 stays connected to axle 160 when wheel 110, 120 is replaced. Core 410 is configured to engage one end of axle 160 of toy vehicle 10. In an embodiment, core 410 includes a base portion 412, a top portion 414 and a sidewall portion 416. In an embodiment, core 410 has a unitary (single piece) construction. Base portion 412 has a ring shape with an opening at the center thereof. Sidewall portion 416 extends from base portion 412 to top portion 414. Core 410 also includes axle connector 418 for engaging axle 160. Axle connector 418 extends from top portion 414 toward the opening surrounded by base portion 412. An exterior surface of sidewall portion 416 is shaped to firmly engage peripheral part 430 such that core 410 and peripheral part 430 rotate together when toy vehicle 10 is moving.
In an embodiment, peripheral part 430 is formed by combining two or more peripheral parts. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, peripheral part 430 is formed by combining two peripheral parts 430A, 430B. Each of peripheral parts 430A, 430B has a half circular ring shape. Peripheral parts 430A, 430B include one or more engagement units 432 to prevent misalignment therebetween. In an embodiment, peripheral part 430 is attached to a tire 450 (shown in FIG. 7B). For example, peripheral part 430 is pushed into tire 450 to occupy a center portion of tire 450, as shown in FIG. 7B. When wheel 110 or 120 is replaced, peripheral part 430 stays attached to tire 450, and hence is separated from core 410. Core 410 and peripheral part 430 are therefore configured to detachably engage each other.
In an embodiment, core 410 includes one or more openings 420. FIG. 7A shows a pair of opening 420A, 420B formed at opposite sides of sidewall portion 416. Peripheral part 430 includes a pair of protrusions 434A, 434B formed corresponding to openings 420A, 420B of core 410. Protrusions 434A, 434B project inwardly toward each other. In an embodiment, protrusions 434A, 434B are formed at peripheral parts 430A, 430B, respectively.
To attach tire 450 to toy vehicle 10, peripheral part 430 is first attached to tire 450. Then, protrusions 434A, 434B of peripheral part 430 are aligned with openings 420A, 420B of core 410, and tire 430 is pushed toward core 410. Due to the pushing force, protrusions 434A, 434B are pushed away from each other by top portion 414 of core 410, and a gap between protrusions 434A, 434B becomes slightly larger, which allows protrusions 434A, 434B to enter openings 420A, 420B. Once protrusions 434A, 434B enter openings 420A, 420B, protrusions 434A, 434B return to their normal positions, and core 410 and peripheral part 430 are firmly engaged to each other. Wheel hub attachment 400 therefore makes it easy to replace wheels 110, 120 while providing a firm connection between axle 160 and tire 450.
As disclosed, embodiments allow a toy vehicle to switch among various height positions. Embodiments also allow different portions of a toy vehicle to individually switch between a non-elevated position and an elevated position. Embodiments further allow a user to individually lock and unlock different portions of a toy vehicle in and from the non-elevated position. A knob or button can be provided to unlock a portion of the toy vehicle from the non-elevated position. Embodiments further allow to a portion of a toy vehicle to automatically switch to the elevated position when the portion is unlocked from the non-elevated position. Embodiments can also allow a single portion of a toy vehicle to switch between the non-elevated position and the elevated position while other portions are fixed to the non-elevated position or elevated position. Furthermore, embodiments can allow a toy vehicle to have more than two suspension arms. For example, for a toy vehicle that has four wheels, four suspension arms can be provided to individually switch the height position of the wheels. For a toy bicycle or motorcycle, one or two suspension arms can be provided to switch the height position of one or both wheels thereof.
Several embodiments are specifically illustrated and/or described herein. However, it will be appreciated that modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are covered by the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A toy vehicle, comprising:

a frame;

a suspension arm pivotally coupled to the frame and arranged under a portion of the frame;

at least one wheel coupled to the suspension arm; and

a height switching unit coupled to the frame and the suspension arm and configured to move the portion of the frame between a non-elevated position and an elevated position.

2. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the height switching unit comprises a locking unit configured to lock the portion of the frame in the non-elevated position and to unlock the portion of the frame from the non-elevated position.

3. The toy vehicle of claim 2, wherein the height switching unit is further configured to automatically move the portion of the frame to the elevated position when the portion of the frame is unlocked from the non-elevated position.

4. The toy vehicle of claim 3, wherein the height switching unit comprises a spring arranged to push the portion of frame and the suspension arm away from each other when the portion of the frame is unlocked from the non-elevated position.

5. The toy vehicle of claim 4, wherein the height switching unit further comprises a knob configured to lock and unlock the portion of the frame in and from the non-elevated position.

6. The toy vehicle of claim 5, wherein the height switching unit further comprises:

a first pillar arranged on the suspension arm and surrounding a through hole extending from a first opening formed at a bottom surface of the suspension arm to a second opening formed at a top portion of the first pillar; and

a second pillar arranged on the portion the frame and surrounding an inner space extending from a third opening formed at a bottom surface of the portion the frame, the second pillar comprising a top hole, the top hole connected to the inner space of the second pillar;

wherein the spring is extending through the through hole of the first pillar and the inner space of the second pillar; and

wherein the first pillar is inserted into the second pillar when the portion of the frame is in the non-elevated position.

7. The toy vehicle of claim 6, wherein the knob comprises:

a head arranged to cover the first opening of the suspension arm; and

a body extending from the head via the through hole of the first pillar and the inner space of the second pillar;

wherein the body of the knob is configured to move through the top hole of the second pillar.

8. The toy vehicle of claim 7, wherein the height switching unit further comprises a stopper arranged above the top surface of the second pillar and coupled to a top end of the body of the knob.

9. The toy vehicle of claim 8, wherein the second pillar further comprises a cutout connected to the top hole of the top pillar, and the knob further comprises a protrusion protruding from the body and configured to move through the cutout of the second pillar;

wherein the portion of the frame is locked in the non-elevated position when the knob is pushed upwardly to pass the protrusion through the cutout of the second pillar and then the knob is rotated to move the protrusion away from the cutout of the second pillar; and

wherein the portion of the frame is unlocked from the non-elevated position when the knob is rotated to align the protrusion of the knob and the cutout of the second pillar to allow the protrusion of the knob to slip through the cutout of the second pillar.

10. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the portion of the frame and the suspension arm are substantially completely folded when the portion of the frame is in the non-elevated position.

11. The toy vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an axle coupled to the suspension arm, wherein the at least one wheel comprises a pair of wheels connected to both ends of the axle.

12. The toy vehicle of claim 11, wherein the frame comprises an axle slot, wherein the axle is inserted into the axle slot when the portion of the frame is in the non-elevated position.

13. The toy vehicle of claim 1, comprising:

a plurality of suspension arms pivotally coupled to the frame and arranged under different portions of the frame;

the at least one wheel comprises a plurality of wheels connected to the plurality of suspension arms; and

the height switching unit comprises a plurality of individual height switching units, each individual height switching unit configured to move each of the different portions of the frame between the non-elevated position and the elevated position.

14. The toy vehicle of claim 2, wherein the locking unit is configured to automatically lock the portion of the frame in the non-elevated position when the frame and the suspension arm are folded together.

15. The toy vehicle of claim 14, wherein the locking unit comprises:

a locking hole formed at the suspension arm;

a locking tongue arranged on the frame and configured to engage the locking hole of the suspension arm; and

a locking spring configured to push the locking tongue toward the locking hole of the suspension arm when the frame and the suspension arm are folded.

16. The toy vehicle of claim 15, wherein the locking unit further comprises a release button configured to unlock the portion of the frame from the non-elevated position.

17. The toy vehicle of claim 16, wherein the release button comprises:

a bottom portion protruding outwardly from the frame; and

a top portion configured to move the locking tongue away from the locking hole of the frame when the bottom portion is pushed.

18. A method of switching a height position of a toy vehicle, the method comprising:

folding a frame and a suspension arm pivotally coupled to the frame and arranged under a portion of the frame;

activating a locking unit to keep the frame and the suspension arm folded and to lock the portion of the frame in a non-elevated position;

deactivating the locking unit to unlock the portion of the frame from the non-elevated position and to place the portion of the frame in an elevated position.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the activating the locking unit comprises turning a knob coupled to the suspension arm in a first direction to form a contact between the knob and the frame, and the deactivating the locking unit comprises turning the knob in a second direction to break the contact between the knob and the frame.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the locking unit is automatically activated when the frame and the suspension arm are folded, and the locking unit is deactivated when a release button connected to the locking unit is activated.

21. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the wheel comprises:

a core; and

a multi-piece peripheral part; and

a tire coupled to the multi-piece peripheral part;

wherein the multi-piece peripheral part is detachably engaged and is configured to expand when being coupled to the core.