Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a toy assembly system comprising a central compartment configured to house a plurality of toy bodies, each toy body having magnetic hubs arranged in an outer region of the body. The system can include outer compartments that house ferromagnetic outer components (e.g., ferromagnetic spheres) separate from the toy bodies and a release mechanism configured to release during a single operation a single toy body and a set of outer components, wherein the single toy body and the set of outer components self-assemble and automatically align. Another aspect provides a toy track system comprising a launch portion configured to magnetically retain the magnetic vehicle in a launch position, a release configured to release the vehicle from the launch position, and a track portion coupled to the launch portion and configured to guide the released vehicle along a predetermined path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a digital control system for track-guided toy vehicles (10), with at least two tracks (24, 26), wherein at least one set of points (34) is provided.

Abstract: In some examples, a toy vehicle play set may include an elongate track having a first vehicle-support surface defining a travel path, and a carriage mounted for travel along the travel path and having a second vehicle-support surface. The first and second vehicle-support surfaces may be configured to support, in combination, a toy vehicle.

Abstract: A racing play set for toy vehicles includes a first track segment, a second track segment disposed in intersection with the first track segment, a return portion disposed in communication with the first and second track portions, and a scoring mechanism, where the return portion is configured to be shared by toy vehicles traveling on the first and second track segments, where the return portion is configured to receive a first toy vehicle from the first track segment and return the first vehicle to the first track segment, where the return portion is configured to receive a second toy vehicle from the second track segment and return the second vehicle to the second track segment, where the scoring mechanism is configured to record a pass of the first vehicle through the return portion and a pass of the second vehicle through the return portion.

Abstract: A stunt arrangement for a toy vehicle including a launching section configured to launch a propelled toy vehicle into flight, a capturing section configured to receive the toy vehicle from the flight, including a narrowing cross-section configured to align a longitudinal axis of the toy vehicle with a desired direction of travel, and a reorienting section coupled to an outlet of the capturing section configured to upright the toy vehicle if the vehicle exits the capturing section partly or completely inverted.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for a track-guided toy vehicle which is equipped with an electric motor and can be operated on a road surface with a guide groove, engaging with a guide plate in the guide groove via a vertical axis of rotation on a chassis of the toy vehicle by means of a guide mechanism mounted on a chassis of the toy vehicle and being equipped with current collector elements for the electric motor, said collector elements cooperate with current rails in the road surface. A swing arm that is pivotable about a horizontal axis is arranged on the chassis of the toy vehicle which is placed upright on the road surface with the front wheels and rear wheels. The swing arm comprises the guide mechanism with the rotation axis, the guide plate and the current collector elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of a toy track system and methods of using such embodiments are described. In general, the system may include a track that has a longitudinal passage with an insert disposed in the longitudinal passage. A toy may be positioned adjacent the track so that it is proximate to the insert inside the longitudinal passage. When so positioned, an attractive force (such as, e.g., a magnetic force) may couple the toy to the insert so that as the toy and insert may move in a corresponding fashion along the track.

Abstract: Toy vehicle sets may include a toy vehicle with an RFID transponder operable to produce an identification signal to identify the toy vehicle and an RFID reader configured to generate an electromagnetic field, detect an identification signal produced by an RFID transponder, and produce data representative of the identified toy vehicle. In some embodiments, the toy vehicle includes circuitry adapted to convert electromagnetic energy into power to operate the RFID transponder. In some embodiments, the toy vehicle includes a metal chassis with an aperture configured to support the RFID transponder and a transverse slot cut from an outer edge of the chassis to the aperture.

Abstract: A toy track device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy track device may include a door configured to move between a closed position in which first, second, and third track portions form a continuous track, and an open position in which the door forms an opening in the third track portion through which the at least one moveable object can pass; and an actuator mechanism including an actuator configured to move between an extended and a retracted position, the actuator contacting a moveable object when the moveable object is supported on the door and the actuator is moved from the retracted position toward the extended position, wherein the door is configured to move from a closed position to an open position when the moveable object is supported on the door and the actuator presses against the moveable object while the actuator is moving toward the extended position.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track set. The track set includes toy roads sized for toy vehicles. The track set allows a toy vehicle to be raised and lowered to different elevations using one or more different mechanisms.

Abstract: A powered toy car is movable along a track mounted on horizontal and/or vertical surfaces of a room. The car is magnetically attracted to the track to prevent the car from falling from the track when the track is mounted on the vertical walls and/or the ceiling of the room.

Abstract: A toy system that utilizes a vehicle that rides upon a track using a unique propulsion system. The track used by the toy has an external surface upon which the toy rides. The track also defines an internal conduit that extends the length of the track. A primary magnet is provided that is free moving within the internal conduit. The primary magnet is moved by a flow of fluid. The toy that rides along the track contains a secondary magnet. The secondary magnet and the primary magnet attract through the structure of the track, thereby causing the secondary magnet and the toy to move along the exterior surface of the track as the primary magnet travels through the conduit.

Abstract: A freestanding collision obstacle is disclosed which is propelled away from a collision obstacle sensing apparatus by the force of a collision event that occurs when a moving object, for example a toy vehicle such as a racecar, collides with the collision obstacle. A collision obstacle sensing apparatus is disclosed which incorporates a collision obstacle and a collision obstacle sensor, the latter of which senses the presence or absence of the collision obstacle. The collision obstacle sensing apparatus is thus used to detect an event time as the time of a collision event. Use of a collision obstacle and a collision obstacle sensing apparatus in each lane at the finish line of a multilane raceway, with the moving objects individually confined to respective lanes of the raceway, enables electronic determination of the outcome of a race. Preferred embodiments are disclosed using optical and/or capacitance sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a play toy system using a remote-controlled traveling toy, which enables the remote-controlled traveling toy to make a movement that is more unexpected than before, for play. The remote-controlled traveling toy 1 includes one front wheel 5 and two rear wheels 7 and 9. The traveling toy is remotely controlled by remote control signals and is so constructed as to travel on a traveling surface of a play board. The diameter sizes of the two rear wheels 7 and 9 are different. With one front wheel 5 and two rear wheels 7, 9 having a different diameter, the remote-controlled traveling toy 1 can move most unexpectedly that anyone has ever experienced, according to the state of the traveling surface of the play board.

Abstract: A plaything for executing a reciprocating activity has a curved platform reciprocatably mounted on a base. The platform has a traveling surface with a longitudinally spaced, opposing pair of end ramps. A coaster can travel back and forth freely on the platform. The end ramps are inclined to cause reversion of the coaster.

Abstract: A stunt ramp for a wheeled toy vehicle to travel upon and provide from approximately 5 degrees to 180 degrees lift from the surface by the ramp structure. The ramp is made of two end pieces connected to each other by cross braces. The end pieces have grooves adapted to have a ramp sheet slid within the grooves. The end pieces are curved so that when the flexible ramp sheet is adjustably slid into the grooves the ramp sheet will curve as well.

Abstract: In a game machine, platen dots are provided on a traveling field. A plurality of self-propelled members are provided on the traveling field. Each self-propelled member includes a first linear motor and a second linear motor for respectively propelling the self-propelled member in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. A miniature member is coupled with a motor so as to be rotatably supported on each self-propelled member. A controller controls the motor such that a rotated angle of the miniature member is determined in accordance with a propelling direction of the self-propelled member.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a pneumatic pump in combination with a pneumatic toy vehicle powered by a refillable compressed chamber. The improvement of the pump is defined by having a pipe that has an aperture to exhaust air being pumped therefrom. The pump further includes a means for launching the vehicle from the pump. The toy vehicle includes a pneumatic motor that when activated utilizes air in the chamber to propel the vehicle and activation of the motor is achieved by moving the vehicle. The vehicle includes an air inlet valve sized to securely engage the pipe of the pump such that movement of the vehicle during filling of the chamber is prevented. When securely engaged by the pipe, the vehicle is positioned against the launching means. A user operating the launching means pushes the vehicle, which activates the motor, such that the vehicle launches away from the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for allowing an individual to simply assemble a transparent cylindrical conduit sectioned track system which guides a self propelled toy vehicle through this track system. A self propelled toy vehicle designed to run securely through transparent cylindrical conduit track prohibiting the toy vehicle from falling off of the track, an easy to assemble the transparent cylindrical sections, and an interlocking structure to ensure the fitting of the track sections are secure enough to remain intact for normal use. A portable means for an individual to carry said self-propelled toy vehicle and the various shaped transparent cylindrical track sections.

Abstract: A wireless toy playset. The playset includes a small size vehicle that moves about a track. Movement of the vehicle is controlled by a wireless transmitter. At the discretion of a parent or end user the transmitter can either be structurally coupled to the track or physically separated from the track. By way of example, the transmitter may be docked into a docking station of the track. Structurally coupling the wireless transmitter to the track reduces the likelihood of separation, and possibly misplacement, of the transmitter from the playset. For example, when the playset is operated by a small child it may be desirable to structurally couple the wireless transmitter to the track to prevent the child from removing and losing the transmitter.

Abstract: An intersection adapted for engagement with a toy racetrack to provide an combination jump and overcrossing intersection for vehicles traversing the racetrack. The device features first and second supports engageable with inline pairs of track thereby forming two pathways across a jump formed by a gap in the middle of the device. The first support is in a translatable engagement with the second support between a first position where vehicles crossing the gap at the same time would collide and a second position forming a second path where vehicles jumping the gap are on different trajectories.

Abstract: A toy train accessory for use with a toy train is provided and has at least one track section disposed across the accessory and connectable to a toy train track. A slot is formed in the track section, and an upwardly spring biased sensor is disposed in the slot. At least one entertainment device such as a light or sound generator is connectable to the sensor. When a toy train passes over the sensor on the track, the entertainment device is activated.

Abstract: A toy robot system includes a toy robot and a surface over which the robot can move. The surface is constructed from a number of modules of various types that may be joined together. Each module (except for spacer modules) includes at least one track segment along which the robot may move. Each module is square and each track segment extends from the center of the module to one side. A code readable by the robot is provided at the beginning of each segment so that the robot knows what type of module it is entering, and a code is provided at the center of each module so that the robot can calculate its position.

Abstract: A toy race car and track system are disclosed having illuminated portions in the car and the track that are illuminated by light sources based on movement of the car on the track. The car includes a pull-back motor and has translucent windows for display of the light source inside the car. The track is a modular track system having interchangeable track portions and other parts. The track system includes a jump and a gauge for measuring the height of a vehicle on the jump. The gauge illuminates when the car travels through it and includes a break-away sign at the end of the gauge that detaches when the car reaches the end. The track system also includes a jump and loop portion, in which the jump launches the car upside down toward one of a plurality of loops that catch the car and redirect it back toward the jump. The car then is launched from the jump to an inner loop to decreased jump speed, and the process repeats until the car no longer has sufficient speed to reach the loops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy game comprising a self-propelled vehicle (3) and at least two deflection elements (1, 2) which are adapted to deflect the travelling direction of the vehicle (3) on a base. The invention is characterized in that the elements comprise a curved, concave track for approximately frictionless cooperation with one of the sides of the vehicle and comprise an underside and a grip configured such that a player can reorient and move the element on the base of the vehicle quickly and without obstacles.

Abstract: A race track for model cars with series of pressurized air conduits. The track is designed to race at least two cars in a manner similar to a “Drag Race.” Each car has its own lane. The system of pressurized air propels the cars with bursts of air from jets. The air jets are activated by each operator using a control which is fashioned after an automobile gearshift.

Abstract: A wireless toy playset. The playset includes a small size vehicle that moves about a track. Movement of the vehicle is controlled by a wireless transmitter. At the discretion of a parent or end user the transmitter can either be structurally coupled to the track or physically separated from the track. By way of example, the transmitter may be docked into a docking station of the track. Structurally coupling the wireless transmitter to the track reduces the likelihood of separation, and possibly misplacement, of the transmitter from the playset. For example, when the playset is operated by a small child it may be desirable to structurally couple the wireless transmitter to the track to prevent the child from removing and losing the transmitter.

Abstract: A toy car is disclosed. The toy car comprises a circuit testing board, a power source device and a toy-car body with a driving mechanism. The circuit testing board and the power source device are detachably mounted onto the toy car body. The circuit testing board enables the terminals of wire cords to be connected, and the circuit testing board is mounted with electronic components and sensing control elements such as sound, thermals and light sensors to form a control circuit by the user, allowing the toy car to be controlled by various kinds of methods to move forward or to turn in direction.

Abstract: A slot car racing toy features toy cars that engage a slot formed on a track and through which slot they pick up electrical power. The electrical power supplied to the slot is generated by a manually-driven electrical generating means which also supplies the power to a sound effects unit.

Abstract: A toy vehicle booster for accelerating a toy vehicle upon a trackway includes a pair of rotating flexible resilient booster wheels positioned on each side of the trackway. In an alternative embodiment, a booster wheel is positioned above the trackway so as to engage the horizontal surfaces such as the roof of the toy vehicles. The booster wheels are formed of a concave resilient structure having a plurality of apertures positioned within the booster wheel to provide a desired flexibility in certain portions of the booster wheel.

Abstract: A playset for use with a wheeled toy vehicle includes a flexible first track section defining a first part of a path for the toy vehicle, a rigid and looped second track section defining a second part of the path, and a cavity formed in the second track section sized to permit the first track section to be shifted between an extended position and a retracted position. The first part of the path and the second part of the path are aligned when the first track section is in the extended position, and at least a major portion of the first track section is disposed within the cavity of the second track section when the first track section is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A toy vehicle ramp has a resiliently flexible sheet panel and a pair of stiffer support members. Each support member has a plurality of support points formed thereon arranged to define a channel in which a lateral edge portion of the sheet panel is slidingly received for height adjustment of the panel in the supports and thus of the ramp. One or more elastic members extend between the support members and beneath the sheet panel to hold the ramp together. The flexible sheet panel collapses and the band(s) stretch when a load heavier than an ordinary remote control toy vehicle is applied so that a child cannot jump from or ride over the ramp and so that the ramp can collapse without damage to its components for reassembly and reuse.

Abstract: A wireless toy playset. The playset includes a small size vehicle that moves about a track. Movement of the vehicle is controlled by a wireless transmitter. At the discretion of a parent or end user the transmitter can either be structurally coupled to the track or physically separated from the track. By way of example, the transmitter may be docked into a docking station of the track. Structurally coupling the wireless transmitter to the track reduces the likelihood of separation, and possibly misplacement, of the transmitter from the playset. For example, when the playset is operated by a small child it may be desirable to structurally couple the wireless transmitter to the track to prevent the child from removing and losing the transmitter. When the child is older the transmitter may be removed from the track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy vehicle, particularly for track-guided car racing circuits, that comprises a drive motor (10), which has a drive shaft (12), and comprises a driven axle (14), which is provided with wheels. A transmission (16) is mounted between the drive shaft (12) and the driven axle (14), and the transmission (16) is provided in the form of a manual transmission (16) that is shifted by the direction of rotation of the drive motor (10).

Abstract: A points device for toy railway includes a first outer rail, a second outer rail communicating with the first outer rail, a third outer rail, a fourth outer rail communicating with the third outer rail, inner rails disposed inside of the each outer rail, tongue rails for switching a traveling direction of a train, and a switch section interlocked with the tongue rail. The switch section electrically connects or disconnects the first outer rail with the second outer rail, a rail forming a pair with the first outer rail with a rail forming a pair with the second outer rail, the third outer rail with the fourth outer rail, and a rail forming a pair with the third outer rail with a rail forming a pair with the fourth outer rail, corresponding to the switching direction of the tongue rail.

Abstract: An toy vehicle accelerator adapted for engagement with a roadway forming a track for carrying toy vehicles. The device features a lower first pair of rollers mounted adjacent to a first pathway to provide engagement the sides of a toy vehicle passing between said first pair of rollers. At a second level above the first, a removably mountable second pair of rollers may be mounted to form a second pathway at a second level above said first pathway. The second pair of rollers is rotatable by the same power source as the first allowing for the attachment of one or a plurality of different levels of powered rollers to accelerate toy vehicles on the track.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inexpensive toy track vehicle with optical sensors for use on a printed track, and a method for controlling the vehicle on a printed track.

Abstract: A guided toy vehicle may be operated with an onboard video camera. The video from the video camera may be transmitted to a control station for display by the user. In some embodiments of the present invention, the video may be transmitted from the vehicle to the control station over the same track that guides the vehicle.

Abstract: A continuous loop toy vehicle trackset supports a booster and a plurality of toy vehicles. The trackset is formed of spaced apart track rails forming a gap therebetween. The toy vehicles are open wheeled and able to roll upon the track rails in either a right side up or inverted configuration. In the inverted configuration, the top surface of the toy vehicle is able to extend into the gap between the track rails. A staging lane facilitates introduction of additional toy vehicles to the trackset.

Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each vehicle is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams and on blocks. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure. The second structure may define a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., a monorail) is movable in first and second opposite directions. Each of a plurality of manually operated pads generates signals for addressing any unaddressed vehicle and for providing movements of, and the performance of functions in, the vehicle when addressed. Each pad communicates the pad-generated signals to a connected central station. The central station communicates these signals by wireless to the vehicles.

Abstract: A continuous loop toy vehicle trackset supports a booster and a plurality of toy vehicles. The trackset is formed of spaced apart track rails forming a gap therebetween. The toy vehicles are open wheeled and able to roll upon the track rails in either a right side up or inverted configuration. In the inverted configuration, the top surface of the toy vehicle is able to extend into the gap between the track rails. A staging lane facilitates introduction of additional toy vehicles to the trackset.

Abstract: A continuous loop toy vehicle trackset supports a booster and a plurality of toy vehicles. The trackset is formed of spaced apart track rails forming a gap therebetween. The toy vehicles are open wheeled and able to roll upon the track rails in either a right side up or inverted configuration. In the inverted configuration, the top surface of the toy vehicle is able to extend into the gap between the track rails. A staging lane facilitates introduction of additional toy vehicles to the trackset.

Abstract: A toy vehicle ramp has a resiliently flexible sheet panel and a pair of stiffer support members. Each support member has a plurality of support points formed thereon arranged to define a channel in which a lateral edge portion of the sheet panel is slidingly received for height adjustment of the panel in the supports and thus of the ramp. One or more elastic members extend between the support members and beneath the sheet panel to hold the ramp together. The flexible sheet panel collapses and the band(s) stretch when a load heavier than an ordinary remote control toy vehicle is applied so that a child cannot jump from or ride over the ramp and so that the ramp can collapse without damage to its components for reassembly and reuse.

Abstract: Toy racing vehicles for operating on preexisting track of a particular scale comprise sub bodies including conventional chassis and larger-scale “visible cars”, which are supported by the sub bodies, but are not fixed or mounted thereto. Instead, a visible car simply rests on the sub body, and is retained loosely thereon by one or more guide pins mounted on the sub body, and fitting loosely within apertures in a plate fixed with respect to the visible car. Accordingly, when the larger-scale visible cars bump one another during racing, they can be jostled out of their normal positions on their sub bodies, but are not separated therefrom, and return to their normal positions when the contact ceases. Realistic and exciting racing action results.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising building elements with at least two side walls that define a width for the building elements and a top face with coupling studs arranged in parallel rows on the top face such that the rows are spaced apart. The building elements have a bottom with a cavity for receiving coupling studs on other building elements. The toy building set comprises a toy vehicle with wheels that are mounted in pairs on opposed sides of the vehicle. The wheels in each pair are arranged at such distance from each other that there is room for an integer multiple of rows of coupling studs between the wheels, and that both wheels in a pair can simultaneously be in rolling contact with a top side of the building element.

Abstract: A gravity-powered toy vehicle, such as a model roller coaster, with an energy-storing flywheel coupled to the wheels to reduce the vehicle velocity s it approaches that which is proportionately realistic for the model scale. The initial potential energy of the vehicle is mostly conserved over the course of the track just as with a real roller coaster. At all points on the track the velocity of the model vehicle is reduced by a constant proportion compared to an unrestrained free-fall vehicle. Thus the dynamic velocity profile of the toy vehicle is the same as for a full size vehicle throughout its descending and ascending journey, but at a proportionately reduced speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a running toy system including a rechargeable running toy which can be charged in a short time and which can run at high speed. A direct current motor 14 is mounted on the center of a chassis 11, and the rotary shaft of the motor is connected to rear drive wheels 12 of a rechargeable running toy. The direct current motor 14 is enclosed with a cover 16. A rechargeable condenser 18 is mounted on the cover 16. The whole chassis 11 is covered with a body cover 20. The direct current motor 14 and the condenser 18 are electrically connected to each other by connection fixtures 22. The ends of the connection fixtures are exposed on the underside of the chassis 11 as charging terminals 24. A voltage is applied to the charging terminals 24 to charge the condenser 18.

Abstract: A roller coaster toy includes a set of cars mounted on a track. Each car has at least one pair of movable side wheel assemblies mounted for movement towards and away from opposite sides of a respective car to enable the cars to be easily placed on, or removed from, the track. A drive car has movable drive wheels for affirmatively engaging the track no matter the degree of curvature of the track.

Abstract: A guided toy vehicle may be operated with an onboard video camera. The video from the video camera may be transmitted to a control station for display by the user. In some embodiments of the present invention, the video may be transmitted from the vehicle to the control station over the same track that guides the vehicle.

Abstract: A toy system has at least one toy vehicle having wheels, and at least one toy object having a member, which is movable between an initial position and an active position. The toy object has an operating element, which is movable between a first position, in which it is adapted to hold said member in its initial position, and a second position, in which said member is allowed to be moved from its initial position to its active position. At least one of the wheels of the toy vehicle includes a part, which is adapted, when the toy vehicle is moved to a position adjacent to the operating element, to interact magnetically with the operating element to move it from its first position to its second position.