Abstract: A direction-converting device for a toy car is disclosed, in which the toy car is provided with an electromagnet having an exciting iron core with its opposite sides being energizable to different polarities and a magnet having opposite end faces with different polarities, in which one core portion of the electromagnet at its free end has a width equal to or larger than a width of the opposed end of the magnet, and in which the electromagnet or the magnet is fixed to one end of a controlling element which in turn is arranged at a middle portion of a steering element. The one core portion of the electromagnet may be divided into two portions, between which is arranged another magnet.Thus, the device ensures a neutral position of the steering element reliably in the deenergized state of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A combined tire and radio-controlled powered vehicle substantially concealed within the tire produce in combination the facility to roll across flat surfaces and to turn corners at considerable speed, leaning into the direction of turn. The vehicle has the following wheels: two rear drive wheels, one front steerable wheel, and two upright-axle wheels at the sides near the front steerable wheel enable the powered vehicle to swerve against either tire sidewall on command, and to some extent to climb it, steering the tire and driving it. The vehicle has a body curve in elevational view similar to the tire perimeter curvature.

Abstract: A remote-controllable toy car is disclosed in which a car body is connected to an operating device through a single or a plurality of optical fibers. The toy car may be controlled in a simple optical communication system and is suitable for a small child.

Abstract: A child's battery-operated ride-on toy vehicle includes a frame having at least three equal diameter wheels rotatively mounted to the frame at opposite sides thereof. The wheels at the front and/or rear of the vehicle at opposite sides of the vehicle are driven by a pair of independently operated relatively small DC electric motors. The wheels at the middle of the vehicle are not driven, but idle. The vehicle includes an onboard battery which is connected to the motors by way of a joystick control so that the vehicle occupant, by manipulating the joystick, can apply a battery voltage of either polarity to the motors so that the vehicle moves forward or in reverse or revolves in either direction on the spot. Due to the presence of the idler wheels, the vehicle can maneuver on all types of surfaces including rugs and carpeting without slipping or stalling.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for self-powered vehicles and vehicles employing this mechanism are disclosed. The steering mechanism is characterized by a yoke pivotably attached to the vehicle frame which carries one of the vehicle's axles. A crown gear is provided on the axle which engages a spur gear mounted on the yoke in a position substantially perpendicular to the crown gear. The spur gear is connected through a drive train to a reversible motor. Stops are provided on the frame or yoke which hold the axle substantially parallel to the vehicle's other axle when the motor is turning in a given direction. Then the axle is positioned so that the vehicle will travel in a straight line. When the motor is reversed the stops will allow the yoke and attached axle to pivot to a postion where the axles are no longer parallel and the vehicle will turn.

Abstract: A rolling vehicle having a generally spherical cage-like body with a diametrical axle on which a pod is suspended within the cage structure. The pod contains a propulsion unit which provides thrust for driving the vehicle in a particular direction and also carries aerodynamic lift and control surfaces. When the vehicle is rolling, the lifting surfaces reduce the bearing load of the vehicle on the supporting surface and the control surfaces provide directional control. Outrigger stabilizing wheels on the ends of the axle provide basic stability and can be made of buoyant material for operation on water.

Abstract: A spherical vehicle including a spherical shell having a drive shaft secured to the interior wall thereof. A drive motor is connected to the shaft for imparting a rolling motion to the spherical vehicle on a supporting surface. Continuous steering of the vehicle is accomplished by changing the position of a mass suspended from the drive shaft to thereby change the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a radio-controlled car which is wirelessly controlled and capable of moving in a wheelie running state, the radio-controlled car comprises a braking member which is moved by a servomotor actuated in accordance with a direction turning command signal transmitted from a control box, an auxiliary wheel adapted to be rolled along the ground in the wheelie running mode, which can be turned in linkage of the braking member, and further a drive wheels repressing mechanism by which the intended turning direction side rear wheel, fixed to a drive axles connected through a differential gear, is repressed by the braking member so that, it can easily be turned even when it is in the wheelie running mode.

Abstract: A direction converting device for a toy car has an electromagnet energizable to a desired polarity upon change of a running direction and at least a pair of magnet elements arranged oppositely thereto and maintained at different polarities from each other. The electromagnet or the pair of magnets may be secured to a controlling element swingably in a horizontal plane, while the controlling element is engaged with a steering plate articulatingly connected to wheels.

Abstract: A radio-controlled toy car which can smoothly turn its running direction even when the toy car is running with the front wheels kept lifted from the ground, that is, even during the wheelie motion. The toy car according to the present invention comprises a differential gear mechanism, two drive shafts rotatably connected to the differential gear mechanism, two electromagnets for applying a brake force to each of the two drive shafts, independently, when energized in cooperation with one of two magnetic cylindrical members fixed to the two drive shafts separately, a front wheel and, in particular, an auxiliary rear wheel, in addition to two ordinary rear wheels and two front dummy wheels. Furthermore, since a connecting rod is provided for loosely connecting the two drive shafts, the differential gear mechanism functions reliably.

Abstract: A toy has a body which is divided into a main section and a supplemental section. The supplemental section is movably mounted on the main section between a first and second position. A motor is located within the main section and connected to the motor are a set of drive wheels. The drive wheels extend out of the bottom of the main section and are positioned such that one of the drive wheels is on one side of the longitudinal center line of the main section and the other of the drive wheels is on the other side of the longitudinal center of the main section and both of the drive wheels are located on one side of the transverse center line of the main section. A guide wheel is located on the main section and is positioned such that at least a portion of the guide wheel extends below the main section and is located on one side of the longitudinal center line of the main section and is on the opposite side of the transverse center line from that of the driving wheels.

Abstract: A toy racing car for use on a slotless car racing track has to continue to be driven in the forward direction when the polarity of the driving current is reversed, the reversal causing a change in the direction of steering of the car so that it can change from one lane to another. Such cars need to have a simple and reliable drive system.