BACKGROUND
[0001] The following descriptions and examples are not admitted to be prior art by virtue
of their inclusion in this section.
[0002] Radio-Controlled or RC model vehicles are a popular hobby for a growing segment of
the population. In the case of electrically powered vehicles, as the electronics become
more sophisticated and the batteries more advanced, the ease of operation and the
run time of RC model vehicles have increased dramatically. However, one area that
has fallen behind in terms of ease of operation is the removal and attachment of a
model vehicle body to a model vehicle chassis.
[0003] Traditional methods of removal and attachment include dealing with a multitude of
mounting posts and protruding pins that must be used with clips in order to secure
the model vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis. This process takes time and the
user has to be on guard against losing any of the many clips in an outdoor environment.
Since the body must be removed every time in order to initially activate the vehicle
and again whenever there is a need to charge the batteries, valuable run time is wasted
on this necessary procedure.
SUMMARY
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described
below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as
an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0005] According to aspects of the present disclosure there are provided a body mounting
system and a model vehicle as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of
the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which
follows and the attached drawings.
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment, a model vehicle is provided comprising a model
vehicle chassis, a model vehicle body, and a body mounting system. The body mounting
system comprises a first mount pivotally connected to a first end of the model vehicle
body and a second mount connected to a second end of the model vehicle body located
opposite to the first end. Wherein the first mount releasably couples the first end
of the model vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis and the model vehicle body
is pivoted about a rotation point and releasably coupled to the model vehicle chassis
via the second mount.
[0007] In another embodiment a model vehicle is provided comprising a model vehicle chassis,
a model vehicle body comprising a body support mechanism, and a body mounting system.
The body mounting system comprises a first mount pivotally connected to a first end
of the model vehicle body via the body support mechanism and a second mount connected
to a second end of the model vehicle body located opposite to the first end via the
body support mechanism. Wherein the first mount releasably couples the first end of
the model vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis in a first direction. In addition,
the second end of the model vehicle body is rotated about the pivotal connection and
the second mount releasably couples the second end of the model vehicle body to the
model vehicle chassis in a second direction.
[0008] In still another embodiment a body mounting system for a model vehicle is provided
comprising a first mount and a second mount. The first mount comprises a first body
mount and a first chassis mount. The first body mount comprises a first support and
a first latch. The first chassis mount comprises a first support receptacle a first
latch receptacle. The second mount comprises a second body mount and a second chassis
mount. The second body mount comprises a second support and a second latch. The second
chassis mount comprises a second support receptacle and a second latch receptacle.
Wherein the first body mount releasably couples to the first chassis mount in a first
direction, and the first body mount is configured to be pivotally coupled to a model
vehicle body;
[0009] Other or alternative features will become apparent from the following description,
from the drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Certain embodiments will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood,
however, that the accompanying drawings illustrate only the various implementations
described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described
herein. The drawings are as follows:
FIG. 1 is an elevated side view of a transparent body on a model vehicle chassis in
a closed position, in accordance to an embodiment of the current disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an elevated side view of the transparent body on a model vehicle chassis
of FIG. 1 in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the current disclosure;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged assembly partial perspective view of a first mount showing both
the first body mount and the corresponding first chassis mount, in accordance with
an embodiment of the current disclosure;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged assembly perspective view of a second mount showing both the
second body mount and the corresponding second chassis mount, in accordance with an
embodiment of the current disclosure; and
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the second mount of FIG. 4 showing the mount
in an engaged position, in accordance with an embodiment of the current disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] In the following specification, numerous specific details are set forth to provide
a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments may be practiced without such
specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in
schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure embodiments of the present
disclosure in unnecessary detail.
[0012] Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some
embodiments," "one aspect," "an aspect," or "some aspects" means that a particular
feature, structure, method, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment
or aspect is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus,
the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or "in some
embodiments" in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
methods, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more
embodiments. The words "including" and "having" shall have the same meaning as the
word "comprising."
[0013] Moreover, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.
Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated
into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate
embodiment.
[0014] Radio Controlled (RC) model vehicles usually comprise a scale version of a model
vehicle body coupled to a model vehicle chassis. The model vehicle chassis contains
the electronics, batteries, and servos required for operating an RC model vehicle.
The model vehicle body must be removed in order to activate and deactivate the Electronic
Speed Control (ESC), or to charge, replace, or connect a battery pack. And during
operation, the model vehicle body must remain securely coupled to the model vehicle
chassis while the vehicle is run in a variety of conditions and circumstances.
[0015] RC model vehicles typically comprise mounting posts coupled to a model vehicle chassis
with protruding pins located at the top of each of the posts. In use, the mounting
posts are typically vertical relative to the horizontal model vehicle chassis. The
model vehicle body is provided with a number of pin holes corresponding to the protruding
pins. Each of the protruding pins include clip holes and body support pads.
[0016] In order to secure a model vehicle body to a model vehicle chassis, the model vehicle
body lowered vertically over the mounting posts and the protruding pins. The protruding
pins pass through the corresponding pin holes until the interior of the model vehicle
body rests on the body support pads. The protruding pins extend through the model
vehicle body to the point where the clip holes are located external to the model vehicle
body.
[0017] Clips are then inserted into the pins holes provided in the protruding pins, retaining
the model vehicle body in position relative to the model vehicle chassis.
[0018] Referring generally to FIG. 1, this figure shows an embodiment of a model vehicle
100 including a transparent model vehicle body 200 and a model vehicle chassis 300.
The model vehicle 100 further comprises a body mounting system that includes a first
mount 400 and a second mount 500. The first mount 400 and the second mount 500 will
be described later in more detail. FIG. 1 shows the model vehicle body 200 and the
model vehicle chassis 300 in their assembled, ready to operate configuration, with
both the first mount 400 and the second mount 500 in releasably coupled configurations.
[0019] Turning now to FIG. 2, this figure shows an exemplary embodiment of the model vehicle
100 as shown in FIG. 1, but in a partially opened configuration. At the point shown
in FIG. 2, the first mount 400 has been releasably coupled to the model vehicle chassis
300 via a latch, and the second mount 500 is open or uncoupled. In order to be able
to operate the model vehicle 100, the model vehicle body 200 would have to be rotated
in a clockwise manner until the second mount 500 is releasably coupled with the model
vehicle chassis 300 via a latch.
[0020] Also shown in this exemplary embodiment is an auxiliary mount 600. The auxiliary
mount 600 in this case comprises auxiliary mounting posts 610, protruding pins 620,
clips 630, and body support pads 640. Other embodiments may not have this auxiliary
mount 600 depending upon the application. In some embodiments, the stiffness and type
of model vehicle body 200 and model vehicle chassis 300 may be enough to only use
a first mount 400 and a second mount 500.
[0021] In order to releasably couple the model vehicle body 200 to the auxiliary mounting
posts 610, the clips 630 are removed from the protruding pins 620. The protruding
pins 620 extend through the mounting holes (not visible in this view) of the model
vehicle body 200 until an interior surface of the model vehicle body 200 rests upon
the body support pads 640. The model vehicle body 200 is releasably secured in operational
position by inserting clips 630 through the protruding pins 620.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 3, this figure shows a lower, rear, right enlarged perspective
assembly view of the model vehicle body 200, the model vehicle chassis 300, and the
first mount 400. The first mount 400 includes the first body mount 460 and the first
chassis mount 410. The first body mount 460 is pivotally coupled to the model vehicle
body 200 and the first chassis mount 410 is fixedly coupled to the model vehicle chassis
300.
[0023] Although the first body mount 460 is shown as being pivotally coupled to the model
vehicle body and the first chassis mount 410 is shown as being fixedly coupled to
the model vehicle chassis 300, the pivoting and fixed nature of these mounts could
be reversed and the pivot provided between the model vehicle chassis 300 and the first
chassis mount 410. For the purposes of illustrating a general embodiment of this disclosure,
the description will refer to the current configuration as representative of other
configurations.
[0024] Also, while the first body mount 460 and the first chassis mount 410 are illustrated
at the front of the model vehicle body and the model vehicle chassis, they could have
easily been located at the opposite ends of both of these assemblies. Both the location
of the first mount and whether the pivot is provided between the model vehicle body
or the model vehicle chassis are matters of application and should both be within
the scope of the current disclosure.
[0025] The first mount 400 in this figure is shown prior to the releasable coupling of first
body mount 460 with the first chassis mount 410. At the moment illustrated in FIG.
3, the model vehicle body 200 is completely separate from the model vehicle chassis
300. In order to attach the model vehicle body 200 to the model vehicle chassis 300,
the first body mount 460 is inserted into the first chassis mount 410 in a first direction
490 as shown by the arrows. Again, for the purposes of illustration for this example,
the arrows represent an exemplary horizontal direction for the first direction 490,
but the teachings of this disclosure should not be limited to this single illustrative
orientation.
[0026] The first body mount 460 further includes first latches 480A and 480B. The first
latches 480A and 480B each have a retention tab 485. During the connection of the
first body mount 460 to the first chassis mount 410, the first latches 480A and 480B
are inserted into a first latch receptacle 420 of the first chassis mount 410.
[0027] When the first latches 480A and 480B are fully inserted into the first latch receptacle
420, the retention tabs 485 resiliently interact with the side walls of the first
latch receptacle 420 to inhibit the removal of the first body mount 460 from the first
chassis mount 410. In order to remove the first body mount 460 from the first chassis
mount 410, the two first latches 480A and 480B are resiliently bent towards one another,
thereby releasing the retention tabs 485 from the side walls of the first latch receptacle
420.
[0028] While a snap fit latching mechanism is shown as the configuration for the releasable
coupling of the first body mount 460 to the first chassis mount 410, other releasable
configurations may be used by a person of skill in the art in accordance with the
teachings of this disclosure. For example, single first latches, toggle draw latches,
and butterfly twist latches, can be used among others.
[0029] In addition to first latches 480A and 480B, the first body mount 460 also comprises
first supports 470A and 470B. While two first latches 480A and 480B and two first
supports 470A and 470B are shown in this illustrative example, the actual number and
configuration of the latches and supports may be selected according to the particular
application of the first mount 400.
[0030] First supports 470A and 470B differ from the first latches 480A and 480B in that
they are relatively more rigid and configured to provide strength and stability to
the releasable connection between the first body mount 460 and the first chassis mount
410. For this example, the first supports 470A and 470B are shown as rectangular protrusions
with a square cross-section. As stated previously, the actual configuration and geometry
of the first supports 470A and 470B may be selected based upon a specific application.
For example, the first supports 470A and 470B may be conical, cylindrical, polygonal,
or made of different materials among others.
[0031] The first supports 470A and 470B are configured to securely fit within a corresponding
number of first support receptacles 430A and 430B (only first support receptacle 430A
is visible in this view). The first supports 470A and 470B are inserted into the first
support receptacles 430A and 430B in the first direction 490 and provide additional
strength and support for the first body mount 460 and first chassis mount 410 about
a first plane perpendicular to the first direction 490. For a model vehicle 100 such
as the one described, the first supports 470A and 470B engagement with the first support
receptacles 430A and 430B will have their greatest resistance to forces impacting
the model vehicle body 200 relative to the model vehicle chassis 300 in a first plane
that extends vertically and from either side (e.g., perpendicular) to the first direction
490.
[0032] Also shown in FIG. 3 is a body support mechanism 700. In some cases the model vehicle
body 200 will be rigid or durable enough to allow the first body mount 460 to directly
attach to an end of the model vehicle body 200. However, in other cases, a model vehicle
body 200 for a model vehicle 100 may be made of a lightweight, thin plastic material.
In these cases, an additional body support mechanism 700 may be used to strengthen
or reinforce the model vehicle body 200, as well as to distribute the loading from
either the first and/or second mount 400, 500 across or about the model vehicle body
200.
[0033] The body support mechanism 700 may include one or both of a separate front body support
mechanism 740 and a rear body support mechanism 750 (not visible in this figure).
As described in the current disclosure, one body support mechanism 700 may extend
along the length of the model vehicle body 200 and tie the first mount 400 to the
second mount 500 via a body support structure 760. As seen in FIG. 3, first body mount
460 is pivotally coupled to first body support mechanism 740 via a first pivoting
coupling 465.
[0034] The first pivoting coupling 465 allows the first body support mechanism 740 and the
attached model vehicle body 200 to pivot relative to the front body mount 460. While
the illustrated exemplary first pivoting coupling 465 uses two hinges, other types
of coupling the first body mount 460 to the first body support mechanism 740 may be
used. For example, in some cases a single hinged connection or a resiliently bendable
connection made via a resiliently deformable flexible material such as an elastomer
silicone rubber or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer EPDM, among others, may be used
for the pivotal couple.
[0035] Since this illustrative embodiment has a single body support mechanism 700 coupling
the first mount 400 to the second mount 500, a portion of the body support structure
760 is attached to the first body support mechanism 740 and shown in this view. The
model vehicle body 200 is fixedly coupled to the body support mechanism 700 in an
appropriate manner, i.e., mechanical fasteners, adhesive, and plastic welding, among
others.
[0036] Referring generally to FIG. 4, this figure shows the second mount 500 in an uncoupled,
open configuration prior to coupling the second body mount 560 to the second chassis
mount 510. An exemplary illustration showing the second body mount 500 in a coupled,
closed configuration is seen in FIG. 5. The model vehicle body 200 is pivotally coupled
to the model vehicle chassis 300 via the first mount 400. In order to close and couple
the model vehicle body 200 to the model vehicle chassis 300 via the second mount 500,
the model vehicle body 200 is rotated about the pivot point in the first mount 400
so that the second body mount 560 engages the second chassis mount 510 in a second
direction 590 (shown by the arrows in FIG. 4).
[0037] Although the arrows in FIG. 4 describe a radial motion, for the purposes of simplifying
this disclosure the second direction 590 is determined at the approximate point of
rotation of the model vehicle body 200 when the second body mount 560 initiates engagement
with the second chassis mount 510. Generally at this point during the rotation, the
second direction 590 is substantially perpendicular (e.g., in the vertical direction
to within a few degrees) to the first direction 490.
[0038] Having two separate mounting directions, such as the first direction 490 (e.g., approximately
horizontal) and the second direction 590 (e.g., approximately vertical), results in
the first mount 400 and the second mount 500 supporting the mounting of the model
vehicle body 200 relative the model vehicle chassis 300 along different directions.
For example, the second mount 500 may be strengthened and reinforced against forces
acting perpendicular to the second direction 590, or in a second, substantially horizontal
plane.
[0039] As shown in these figures, the second mount 500 includes a second body mount 560
and a second chassis mount 510. The second body mount 560 comprises second supports
570A and 570B, and a second latch 580. The second chassis mount 510 comprises a corresponding
number of second support receptacles 530A and 530B, and a second latch receptacle
520. The model vehicle body 200 is inhibited from rotating relative to the model vehicle
chassis 300 once the second latch 580 is releasably coupled with the second latch
receptacle 520.
[0040] Engaging the second latch 580 to the second latch receptacle 520 includes inserting
the second latch 580 until a second retention tab 585 engages with an edge of a sidewall
of the second latch receptacle 520 (more readily seen in FIG. 5) in a snap fit connection.
In the example shown, in order to release the latching mechanism the second latch
580 would be resiliently moved towards the rear of the model vehicle 100, allowing
the second retention tab 585 to move out of engagement with the side wall of the second
latch receptacle 520.
[0041] As in the first mount 400, while a snap fit latching mechanism is shown to releasably
couple the second body mount 560 to the second chassis mount 510, other releasable
configurations may be used by a person of skill in the art in accordance with the
teachings of this disclosure. For example, two second latches, toggle draw latches,
and butterfly twist latches, can be used among others.
[0042] The second body mount 560 further includes two second supports 570A and 570B. Two
second supports 570A and 570B are illustrated in this exemplary embodiment, however,
the actual number and configuration of the latches and supports may be one or more
than two and may be selected according to the particular application of the second
mount 500.
[0043] The two second supports 570A and 570B may be relatively more rigid than the second
latch 580 and configured to increase the strength or robustness of a latched second
mount 500. The two second supports 570A and 570B are shown as being rectangular protrusions
with a relatively square cross-section. However, the actual configuration and number
of second supports 570A, 570B may be selected based upon a specific application. For
example, the second supports 570A and 570B may be conical, cylindrical, polygonal,
or made of different materials, among others.
[0044] The second supports 570A and 570B are configured to fit securely within a corresponding
number of second support receptacles 530A and 530 B provided in the second chassis
mount 510. The second supports 570A and 570B are inserted into the second support
receptacles 530A and 530B in the second direction 590 and provide additional strength
and support for a coupled second mount 500 in a second plane, perpendicular to the
second direction 590. For this illustrative example, the second plane is a substantially
horizontal plane extending from side to side and front to back about the second direction.
During operation, the resistance of the second mount 500 to the forces impacting the
model vehicle body 200 relative to the model vehicle chassis 300 will be at its highest
in the second plane about each of the second supports 570A and 570B.
[0045] Also shown in the figures is the second body support mechanism 750 coupled to the
model vehicle body 200 and the second body mount 560. As stated previously, due to
configuration and/or materials, the first body mount 460 and/or the second body mount
560 may be attached directly to the model vehicle body 200. In this case, the second
body mount 560 is fixedly coupled to the second body support mechanism 750.
[0046] In this exemplary embodiment, the body support structure 760 is shown as coupling
to the second body support mechanism 750. Accordingly, body support structure 760
may increase the strength and stiffness of the model vehicle body 200 and may also
tie the first mount 400 to the second mount 500, potentially increasing the overall
effectiveness of the first and second mounts 400, 500. However, in other embodiments,
the body support structure 760 may be omitted and the first body support mechanism
740 may be independent from the second body support mechanism 750.
[0047] Elements of the embodiments have been introduced with either the articles "a" or
"an." The articles are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.
The terms "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive such that there may
be additional elements other than the elements listed. The term "or" when used with
a list of at least two elements is intended to mean any element or combination of
elements.
[0048] Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detail above, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a wide range of variations, modifications,
changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some
instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding
use of the other features
[0049] In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described
herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but
also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural
equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together,
whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden
parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.
[0050] Further features of embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are set
out in the following clauses:
Clause 1. A model vehicle comprising:
a model vehicle chassis;
a model vehicle body;
a body mounting system comprising:
a first mount pivotally connected to a first end of the model vehicle body;
a second mount connected to a second end of the model vehicle body located opposite
to the first end;
wherein the first mount releasably couples the first end of the model vehicle body
to the model vehicle chassis; and
wherein the model vehicle body is pivoted about a rotation point and releasably coupled
to the model vehicle chassis via the second mount.
Clause 2. The model vehicle according to clause 1, wherein the model vehicle body
further comprises a body support mechanism and the first mount is pivotally connected
to the model vehicle body via the body support mechanism.
Clause 3. The model vehicle according to clause 2, wherein the body support mechanism
further couples the first mount to the second mount.
Clause 4. The model vehicle according to clause 1, wherein the model vehicle chassis
further comprises an auxiliary mount fixedly coupled to the model vehicle chassis
and releasably coupled to the model vehicle body.
Clause 5. The model vehicle according to clause 4, wherein the auxiliary mount comprise
posts; and
wherein the model vehicle body is releasably coupled to the model vehicle chassis
via clips inserted into the posts.
Clause 6. The model vehicle according to clause 1, wherein the first mount releasably
couples the model vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis in a first direction,
and the second mount releasably couples the model vehicle body to the model vehicle
chassis in a second direction.
Clause 7. The model vehicle according to clause 6, wherein the second mount is reinforced
by second supports about a second plane substantially perpendicular to the second
direction.
Clause 8. The model vehicle according to clause 1, wherein the second mount releasably
couples the model vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis via a snap fit connection.
Clause 9. The model vehicle according to clause 1, wherein the first mount releasably
couples the model vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis via a snap fit connection
comprising two first latches.
Clause 10. A model vehicle comprising:
a model vehicle chassis;
a model vehicle body comprising a body support mechanism;
a body mounting system, comprising:
a first mount pivotally connected to a first end of the model vehicle body via the
body support mechanism;
a second mount connected to a second end of the model vehicle body located opposite
to the first end via the body support mechanism;
wherein the first mount releasably couples the first end of the model vehicle body
to the model vehicle chassis in a first direction; and
wherein the second end of the model vehicle body is rotated about the pivotal connection
and the second mount releasably couples the second end of the model vehicle body to
the model vehicle chassis in a second direction.
Clause 11. The model vehicle according to clause 10, wherein the first direction is
substantially perpendicular to the second direction.
Clause 12. The model vehicle according to clause 10, wherein the first mount is reinforced
by first supports about a first plane substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
Clause 13. The model vehicle according to clause 10, wherein at least one of the first
or second mounts releasably couples the corresponding first or second end of the model
vehicle body to the model vehicle chassis via a snap fit connection.
Clause 14. The model vehicle according to clause 10, wherein the first mount is pivotally
connected via a resiliently flexible hinge.
Clause 15. A body mounting system for a model vehicle, comprising:
a first mount comprising:
a first body mount comprising:
a first support;
a first latch; and
a first chassis mount comprising:
a first support receptacle;
a first latch receptacle; and
a second mount comprising:
a second body mount comprising:
a second support;
a second latch; and
a second chassis mount comprising:
a second support receptacle;
a second latch receptacle;
wherein the first body mount releasably couples to the first chassis mount in a first
direction, and the first body mount is configured to be pivotally coupled to a model
vehicle body;
wherein the second body mount releasably couples to the second chassis mount in a
second direction.
Clause 16. The body mounting system according to clause 15, wherein the first support
and the first support receptacle constrain the first body mount relative to the first
chassis mount from moving about a first plane perpendicular to the first direction.
Clause 17. The body mounting system according to clause 15, wherein the second latch
releasably couples with the second latch receptacle via a snap fit connection.
Clause 18. The body mounting system according to clause 15, wherein the first direction
is substantially perpendicular to the second direction.
Clause 19. The body mounting system according to clause 17, wherein the second latch
comprises two resilient latches each comprising a retention tab.
Clause 20. The body mounting system according to clause 15, wherein the first body
mount comprises a hinge to pivotally couple the first body mount to the model vehicle
body.
1. A body mounting system for a model vehicle comprising:
a first mount (400) for pivotally connecting to a first end of a model vehicle body
(200); and
a second mount (500) for connecting to a second end of the model vehicle body (200),
wherein:
the first mount (400) is configured to releasably couple the first end of the model
vehicle body (200) to a model vehicle chassis (300); and
when the body mounting system is in use, the model vehicle body (200) is arranged
to be pivoted about a rotation point and releasably coupled to the model vehicle chassis
(300) via the second mount (500).
2. The body mounting system according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the model
vehicle body (300) is located opposite to the first end.
3. The body mounting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:
the first mount (400) is configured to releasably couple the model vehicle body (200)
to the model vehicle chassis (300) in a first direction (490); and
the second mount (500) is configured to releasably couple the model vehicle body (200)
to the model vehicle chassis (300) in a second direction (590).
4. The body mounting system according to claim 3, wherein the first direction (490) is
substantially perpendicular to the second direction (590).
5. The body mounting system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein:
the first mount (400) comprises a first body mount (460) and a first chassis mount
(410);
the second mount (500) comprises a second body mount (560) and a second chassis mount
(510);
the first body mount (460) is configured to releasably couple to the first chassis
mount (410) in the first direction (490), and the first body mount (460) is configured
to be pivotally coupled to the model vehicle body (200); and
the second body mount (560) is configured to releasably couple to the second chassis
mount (510) in the second direction (590).
6. The body mounting system according to claim 5, wherein the first body mount (460)
comprises a hinge configured to pivotally couple the first body mount (460) to the
model vehicle body (200).
7. The body mounting system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of
the first or second mounts (400, 500) is configured to releasably couple the corresponding
first or second end of the model vehicle body (200) to the model vehicle chassis (300)
via a snap fit connection.
8. The body mounting system according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 5 or 6, wherein:
the first body mount (460) comprises a first latch (480A, 480B) and the first chassis
mount (410) comprises a first latch receptacle (420); and/or
the second body mount (560) comprises a second latch (580) and the second chassis
mount (510) comprises a second latch receptacle (520),
and the snap fit connection comprises:
the first latch (480A, 480B) and the first latch receptacle (420); and/or
the second latch (580) and the second latch receptacle (520),
and optionally wherein at least one of the first latch (480A, 480B) and the second
latch (580) comprises a resilient latch comprising a retention tab (485, 585).
9. The body mounting system according to any preceding claim, wherein, when in use:
the first mount (400) is arranged to be reinforced by first supports (470A, 470B)
about a first plane substantially perpendicular to the first direction (490); and/or
the second mount (500) is arranged to be reinforced by second supports (570A, 570B)
about a second plane substantially perpendicular to the second direction (590).
10. The body mounting system according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 5, 6 or 8, wherein:
the first body mount (460) comprises the first support (470A, 470B) and the first
chassis mount (410) comprises a first support receptacle (430A, 430B); and/or
the second body mount (560) comprises the second support (570A, 570B) and the second
chassis mount (510) comprises a second support receptacle (530A, 530B),
and optionally wherein:
the first support (470A, 470B) and the first support receptacle (430A, 430B) are configured
to constrain the first body mount (460) relative to the first chassis mount (410)
from moving about the first plane perpendicular to the first direction (490); and/or
the second support (570A, 570B) and the second support receptacle (530A, 530B) are
configured to constrain the second body mount (560) relative to the second chassis
mount (510) from moving about the second plane perpendicular to the second direction
(590).
11. A model vehicle (100) comprising:
a model vehicle chassis (300);
a model vehicle body (200); and
the body mounting system according to any preceding claim configured to releasably
couple the model vehicle body (200) to the model vehicle chassis (300).
12. The model vehicle (100) according to claim 11, wherein the model vehicle body (200)
further comprises a body support mechanism (700), and:
a first mount (400) of the body mounting system is configured to be pivotally connected
to the model vehicle body (200) via the body support mechanism (700);
a second mount (500) of the body mounting system is configured to be connected to
the model vehicle body (200) via the body support mechanism (700); and/or
the body support mechanism (700) is configured to couple the first mount (400) to
the second mount (500) of the body mounting system.
13. The model vehicle (100) according to claim 12, wherein the first mount (400) is configured
to be pivotally connected via a resiliently flexible hinge.
14. The model vehicle (100) according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the model vehicle
chassis (300) further comprises an auxiliary mount (600) configured to be fixedly
coupled to the model vehicle chassis (300) and releasably coupled to the model vehicle
body (200).
15. The model vehicle (100) according to claim 14, wherein the auxiliary mount (600) comprise
posts (610), and
wherein the model vehicle body (200) is configured to be releasably coupled to the
model vehicle chassis (300) via clips (630) inserted into the posts (610).