Abstract: A toy vehicle has a tractor and trailer that is countable to the tractor. The tractor includes a tractor hitch assembly and an operating assembly for propelling the tractor in forward and reverse directions and for turning the tractor 360° in place. The trailer has a trailer body and a tongue extending therefrom with a trailer hitch assembly connected to the trailer tongue. The tractor and trailer hitch assemblies are arranged and countable together to enable relative pitch and roll between the tractor and trailer and rotation of the tractor under the trailer tongue at least on a flat surface.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle having an electronic speed controller adapted to regulate at least one of the timing and rate of application of a selected rotational input. The vehicle includes a body with a seat, a steering mechanism positioned for operation by a child to steer at least one of the vehicle's wheels, and a drive assembly with an actuator positioned for actuation by a child sitting on the seat to cause the driven rotation of at least one of the vehicle's wheels by a battery-powered motor assembly. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes one or more user input devices that enable a child sitting on the seat to select at least one of the relative speed and direction of the vehicle. The drive assembly also includes an electronic speed controller that controls electronically the transmission of a selected rotational input to the vehicle's driven wheel assembly.

Abstract: A radio controlled vehicle have greater than two gyroscopic action wheels provides a wider range of stunt options and increased stability during operation. The overall weight of the vehicle with respect to the combined mass and gyroscopic force which the gyroscopic wheels can produce for given rpm speeds is maintained within a predetermined operating range in order to provide the increased stunt maneuverability and stabilization during operation. The torque reaction of opposing gyroscopic wheels or wheel pairs creates a range stunt inducing forces/actions equal to or greater than the gyro effect created by the respective wheels. The combination of the torque reaction and gyro effect broadens the scope of existing stunt capabilities and make possible a completely new range of stunt inducing actions not available in other radio control toys.

Abstract: A magnetic coupler for joining a first toy vehicle to a second toy vehicle is claimed. The magnetic coupler comprises a pair of spaced connectors. The connectors extend from an end wall of the first vehicle. A disk-shaped magnet is fixedly attached within a space formed between the pair of connectors. The disk-shaped magnet is mounted so that it is substantially perpendicular to the end wall of first toy vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap for removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.

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: The object of this invention is to provide a toy vehicle, having a permanent magnet ring (55, 65) fixedly fitted over each of the front and rear wheels. This toy vehicle (100, 200, 300 or 400) is thus movable on a magnetic slope surface and a metal vertical wall in addition to a horizontal surface. The toy vehicle has a V-shaped groove (15) through the center on its bottom between the front and rear wheels, thus being movable on a metal stairway while climbing over the top corner of each step of the stairway. The toy vehicle is further provided with a floater (80) on its body and a plurality of vanes (95) on each wheel,thus being movable on the surface of the water. This toy vehicle easily moves on the rails between two or more sections as desired, thus more effectively getting children interested in playing such toy vehicles.

Abstract: A toy vehicle (10) comprising a part (12) resembling a truck tractor, a part (14) resembling a truck trailer and a pivotal connection (16) therebetween. The pivotal connection (16) is positioned between a platform portion (20) of the tractor part (12) and a front portion (22) of the trailer part (14) that extend over the tractor's platform portion (20). The pivotal connection (16) includes a recess-and-projection arrangement allowing pivotal movement between the tractor part (12) and the trailer part (14), and a groove-projection arrangement limiting the maximum turning radius between the tractor part (12) and the trailer part (14).

Abstract: A miniature toy vehicle, preferably of the wireless control self-propelled type equipped to flip or upset another similar toy vehicle or object upon forward impact therewith. The preferred toy vehicle includes a molded toy car body supporting front and rear wheels, steering, a control circuit board, a drive motor and a battery. A front flipping member is supported by the car body having a forwardly distal portion at a height, when the flipping member is armed, for engagement beneath a lower side or end margin of another toy vehicle or an object. The flipping member will upwardly flip or upset the other toy car or object when a trigger member thereof strikes the other toy car or an object.

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 remote control car made of plastic sheet has an body with fixed wheels and a remotely controlled electromechanical drive unit with rotatable wheels in a cavity in the bottom of the inflatable body.

Abstract: A three wheeled wireless controlled toy stunt vehicle capable of both highly elastic impact and less elastic impact with obstacles struck while the vehicle is in motion is disclosed. Two wheels are separately driven, and have tires with interiors that are vented to atmosphere. The third wheel has a tire with an interior that is sealed and pressurized. The pressurized tire is capable of highly elastic impact when it strikes obstacles while the toy vehicle is in motion. The non-pressurized tires are characterized by a less elastic impact with obstacles. The third wheel has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the drive wheels. All components of the vehicle are contained within the two planes tangent to the three wheels, such that the toy vehicle may be operated on either of its two major sides.

Abstract: A chassis of remotely controllable car, including an upper board and two side walls which are integrally formed. A lower board is connected under the bottoms of the side walls. The chassis is a frame body integrally formed by the upper board, the lower board and the two side walls. The engine, gear cases and wheels of the remotely controllable car are mounted on the chassis.

Abstract: A toy vehicle incorporates with an independent wheel arrangement which includes a supporting leg having an upper inserting portion. The toy vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a through hole to define a top and bottom securing surfaces. The inserting portion of the supporting leg has a base portion and a shank portion to define a biasing shoulder therebetween. The inserting portion of the supporting leg is inserted into the through hole of the vehicle frame until the biasing shoulder is biased against the bottom securing shoulder of the through hole. A wheel is rotatably mounted at a bottom portion of the supporting leg. A locker member is securely attaching to the shank portion of the supporting leg with the through hole and biased against the top securing shoulder of the through hole, so as to securely mount the supporting leg to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is configured for itinerant maneuvers and is programmed by manually drawing a path on an exposed surface of a mechanical touch screen assembly on the vehicle. A microprocessor, coupled with the touch screen assembly, reads the manually drawn path and controls movement of the vehicle to follow the manually drawn path. In one embodiment, the drawn path is erased to enter a new path by pivoting the first sheet of the assembly away from the second sheet and, in another embodiment, by separating the first and second sheets by sliding a horizontal plate between the sheets. A sensor on the vehicle detects the presence of a stylus in a holder. The microprocessor responds to the presence to initiate the itinerant movement and/or activate a visual indicator or an audio generator or both in the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A stand-alone drive mechanism for a toy racing car. The mechanism includes individually controlled motors for operating simulated main drive wheels of a race car vehicle, a semi-concealed actual drive wheel for the vehicle, and a steering system. The mechanism is principally intended for use in connection with a construction toy set such as “K'NEX,” to enable construction of toy drag racing vehicles and the like. The simulated main drive wheels are elevated slightly above the support surface and can be rotated independently of the actual drive wheel, to simulate a “burn-out” sequence which typically precedes a drag race. By means of a remote radio control, the main drive wheels can be initially rotated to simulate “burn-out”, followed immediately by operation of the actual drive wheel to send a vehicle down a race path.

Abstract: A model vehicle that operates to emulate “hydraulics” in a full size vehicle is taught. A suspension lift function and a suspension tilt function are produced though implementation of suspension apparatus. A wheel carriage is coupled to a chassis and the movement therebetween is controlled by one or more actuators. Either lift or tilt, or both, movement may be employed. In an illustrative embodiment, rotational movement is employed to effect lift and tilt, along perpendicular axis defined by a sub-chassis. A first actuator works between the chassis and sub-chassis, and a second actuator works between the sub-chassis and a wheel carriage. Control may be remote, utilizing wired, radio, sonic, or infrared remote control schemes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel assembly for a model toy train wherein the wheel assembly includes a wheel and a traction tire. The wheel including an undercut recess and at least one sprue. The traction tire is molding into the undercut recess through the sprue.

Abstract: An electronic toy adapted to receive a toy figure comprises a source of electrical power, an integrated circuit chip programmed with pre-recorded sounds, sound reproduction means under the control of the integrated circuit chip, switch means adapted to open or close an electrical circuit to control the flow of electrical power from the source of electrical power to the integrated circuit and sound reproduction means, and trigger means adapted to activate the switch means, such that when the toy figure is placed into contact with the trigger means, the switch means is closed to create an electrical circuit and sounds are generated by the sound reproduction means under the control of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A suspension device for use with a toy vehicle is provided. The suspension device allows the height of the chassis with respect to the wheels to be quickly and easily adjusted.

Abstract: A radio-controlled toy vehicle is provided with four non-steerable wheels, two on each lateral side of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the wheels on each lateral side are drivingly coupled with a separate, reversible motor. The vehicle is steered by controlling the operation and direction of each motor. In another embodiment, the wheels on each lateral side are drivingly coupled with a single reversible motor. The vehicle is steered through one-way clutches which allow the wheels on one lateral side to operate in either a forward or a reverse direction while the wheels on an opposite lateral side always rotate in the same direction. In both embodiments, a pivoting beam is centrally located on one lateral side, with the wheels on that side being rotatably attached to the beam. The pivoting beam provides for infinite ranges of suspension positions. In operation, the vehicle proceeds until it encounters an obstacle.

Abstract: A structure for quickly turning up a car shell of a remotely controllable car, including two fixing boards connected with the car body for fixing the car shell. Each fixing board has a projecting column having a stop section at top end. The car shell is formed with a through hole for the column and the stop section to pass therethrough. A seat body is disposed on inner face of the car shell. A clip disposed on outer face of the car shell is connected with the seat body. The clip has a clip section and a press section. The clip section clips the column of the fixing board and is stopped by the stop section to fix the car shell. When turning up the car shell, the press section is compressed to stretch open the clip section and release the clip section from the stop of the stop section. Then the press section of the clip can be lifted to turn up the car shell.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a toy vehicle includes first and second wheel assemblies mounted on a axle, a cam which is rotatable with the first wheel assembly, and a brake member which is activatable by the cam to engage the second wheel assembly. An orthogonal gear assembly, including first and second gear members, drives the cam. A shaft member is disposed orthogonal to the axle and bears the cam and second gear member. The first gear member is mounted an the axle. The shaft is pivotally mounted and movable between a first position in which the first and second gear members are engaged and a second position in which the first and second gear members are disengaged.

Abstract: A model car having a mechanism driven by an electric motor for selectively raising and lowering the front of the car in synchronization with actuation of the hood, and raising and lowering the rear of the car in synchronization with actuation of the trunk lid.

Abstract: The present invention is a trim adjustment mechanism to balance a toy vehicle. One vehicle has a platform supporting two wheels in line along a central longitudinal vertical plane through the platform. The trim adjustment mechanism has a weight holder slideably supported by the platform to move transversely to the central vertical plane. A weight member is engaged with the weight holder for slideable movement with the weight holder. An adjustment lever has a first end operably coupled with the weight holder. The adjustment lever is pivotable about the first end such that rotation of the adjustment lever causes sliding side-to-side movement of the weight member, whereby a user can effectuate side-to-side movement of the weight member within the vehicle with the adjustment lever in order to balance the vehicle and enhance the stability of the vehicle.

Abstract: An amusement system that includes a miniature toy skateboard and the mechanism for engaging and lifting the miniature toy skateboard. The miniature toy skateboard is less than six inches long and is referred to as a finger board in the toy industry. The finger board is manufactured to have a top surface that is either magnetic or attracted to a magnet. The mechanism for engaging and lifting the finger board is a magnet that is held within an external object, such as a ring or a toy figure. A manually adjustable spacer is positioned in front of the magnet. To engage the finger board with the external object, the length of the spacer is minimized and the finger board is brought into close proximity with the magnet. The magnetic field created by the magnet attracts the finger board and holds the finger board against the external object. To detach the finger board, the length of the spacer is increased. This moves the external object out beyond the effective range of the magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: An amusement system that includes a miniature toy skateboard and the mechanism for engaging and lifting the miniature toy skateboard. The miniature toy skateboard is less than six inches long and is referred to as a finger board in the toy industry. The finger board is manufactured to have a top surface that is either magnetic or attracted to a magnet. The mechanism for engaging and lifting the finger board is a magnet that is held within an external object, such as a ring or a toy figure. A manually adjustable spacer is positioned in front of the magnet. To engage the finger board with the external object, the length of the spacer is minimized and the finger board is brought into close proximity with the magnet. The magnetic field created by the magnet attracts the finger board and holds the finger board against the external object. To detach the finger board, the length of the spacer is increased. This moves the external object out beyond the effective range of the magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed a toy bicycle that includes a rear wheel assembly rotatably connected to the bicycle. The rear wheel assembly encloses a flywheel and a means of interconnecting the flywheel and the rear wheel. The interconnecting means serves to energize the flywheel in response to a rotational force applied to the rear wheel and when the rotational force is removed the interconnecting means will continue to rotate the rear wheel in response to the inertia of the energized flywheel. An articulated rider, mounted to the seat of the bicycle, includes hands rotatably attached to handlebars and feet attached to pedals of the bicycle. When the bicycle is in motion, the articulated rider appears to pedal and operate the bicycle. The bicycle also includes a charger that engages and rotates the rear wheel of the bicycle and as such, energizes the flywheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel connection for a toy vehicle. The wheel connection utilizes a disc component which is attached to the vehicle suspension arm and a sleeve component which is attached to the vehicle wheel rim. The disc has a groove along its outer edge and the sleeve has a number of deformable outwardly extending tabs positioned on its inner wall. The disc and disc groove and the sleeve and sleeve tabs are sized so as when the wheel rim/sleeve assembly is pushed on to the suspension arm/disc assembly, the tabs first deform until they align with the groove, whereupon the tabs regain their non-deformed shape, within the profile of the disc groove. Similarly, when the wheel rim/sleeve assembly is pulled from the suspension arm/disc assembly, the tabs again deform until they are clear of the disc's outer edge, whereupon the tabs regain their non-deformed shape.

Abstract: A toy vehicle for allowing a child to steer a simulated toy vehicle while standing up and walking behind the simulated toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a wire frame formed into a simulated shape of a vehicle; and also includes a wheel assembly upon which the wire frame is mounted and includes front and rear axles and wheels mounted to the front and rear axles; and further includes an assembly for steering the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A toy vehicle, including a pair of body portions, each body portion including at least one magnet. At least one magnet is carried by each body portion with a magnetic pole orientation contra to the magnetic pole orientation of the at least one magnet carried by another body portion to thereby couple the body portions together.

Abstract: In a toy garbage transportation truck comprising a cargo space (3) for the garbage that is to be disposed of, having an opening (4) on its rear to which an emptying casing (5) for garbage cans that are to be emptied is adjoined that has a rear discharge opening (7), provision is made that the floor (9) below the discharge opening is curved approximately in the shape of a segment of a circle, the floor (9) transitions into a slanted feeding surface (10) that extends to below a feeding opening (6), a conveyor shovel (12) is disposed above the floor (9), the conveyor shovel (12) can be swiveled along the floor (9) above the same, lifted parallel to the slanted feeding surface (16) to at least the lower edge of the feeding opening (6) and subsequently swiveled back and lowered to reach the end of the floor (9) on the opening side and repeat the conveyor movement again.

Abstract: A scooter structure having both decorative and toy performance that is comprised of a scooter body and a gyration force gear unit fastened to the lower end of the body. The body has a lateral retaining edge extending downward from each of the two sides of its bottom end and, furthermore, an access opening is formed in the lateral retaining edge to accommodate the insertion and positioning of the gyration force gear unit. A mortise is formed in each of the two sides of the holding section of a carrier mount such that a corresponding tenon formed on each of the two sides of the gyration force mount can be inserted and positioned. Turning wheels at the two sides of the gyration force mount are positionally fixed over the holding section and, furthermore, a space is left between each turning wheel and lateral end of the holding section that prevents the lock-up of the gyration force mount and the carrier mount during the execution of turns that would adversely affect the coasting of the toy scooter.

Abstract: In one embodiment a collapsible toy car is provided with a front top portion, a rear top portion, and two side portions is provided. The front top portion is pivotally attached to the rear top portion via a hinge. The two side portions are pivotally attached to the front and rear top portion via a front and rear pivot assembly, respectively. When assembled the front, rear and two side portions form an upright, operational position. When a force, however, is applied downwardly on the collapsible toy, the front, rear and two side portions collapse forming a substantially planar, collapsed configuration. A latch may be provided in order to retain the collapsible toy car in its collapsed configuration. Similarly, the latch may be released in various ways to permit the collapsible toy car to return to its operation position.

Abstract: A radio controlled vehicle have greater than two gyroscopic action wheels provides a wider range of stunt options and increased stability during operation. The overall weight of the vehicle with respect to the combined mass and gyroscopic force which the gyroscopic wheels can produce for given rpm speeds is maintained within a predetermined operating range in order to provide the increased stunt maneuverability and stabilization during operation. The torque reaction of opposing gyroscopic wheels or wheel pairs creates a range stunt inducing forces/actions equal to or greater than the gyro effect created by the respective wheels. The combination of the torque reaction and gyro effect broadens the scope of existing stunt capabilities and make possible a completely new range of stunt inducing actions not available in other radio control toys.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive toy including a chassis, front wheels operably connected with the chassis, and rear wheels operably connected with the chassis. A flywheel is operably connected to the front wheels and the rear wheels and operable to drive the toy. A front wheel axle is operably connected to the chassis so as to vertically pivot relative to the chassis such that when driving over an uneven surface the front wheels and the rear wheels all contact the uneven surface, thereby ensuring that a driving force from the front wheels and the rear wheels is transmitted to the uneven surface and that the toy runs over the uneven surface.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively controlling an electrical component is claimed. The system contains an audio detector, such as a microphone, that receives sound energy and converts the sound energy into a corresponding electrical signal. The content of the sound energy is irrelevant. Rather, it is the volume of the sound energy that is to be represented by the electrical signal. To produce an electrical signal that corresponds to noise volume, the amplitude of the electrical signal is amplified. The amplified signal is then rectified and filtered, thereby producing a D/C electrical signal that is representative of the volume of the sound energy detected. The D/C electrical signal is used to selectively regulate a current flow controller. The current flow controller controls the flow of current to the electronic component.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel ideal for buggy, stroller, carriage, tricycle, dolly buggy, and the like, having a wheel rim mounted on a wheel axle and holding an outer tire, movable parts mounted on an inner table suspended in the wheel rim, and a cartoon-Figured wheel cover fixedly fastened to the inner table. When the vehicle goes forward, the cartoon Figured wheel cover doesn't move at all, on the contrary, the Figure's eyes, nose, and ears start to swing.

Abstract: An elongated substantially hollow body supports a pair of motor drive units, a battery power supply, and a radio frequency receiver and controller module. A pair of axles are rotatably supported near the frontal end of the elongated body and in turn support a pair of large diameter wheels. The motor drive units within the body are operatively coupled to the axles and are able to differentially drive the wheels. The position of the axles and wheels near the frontal portion of the vehicle results in the extension of a substantially greater portion of the body away from and beyond the wheels. Thus the extending portion of the body defines a trailing end. A control transmitter provides independent operational signals to each of the motor drive units to differentially drive the wheels. Each time the direction of travel of the toy vehicle is reversed, the reaction torque applied by the motors to the body causes the body to flip about the axles and invert bringing the trailing end to the opposite side of the wheels.

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: The invention relates to a toy car with adjustable magnetic adhesion for an auto racetrack having ferromagnetic current conductors countersunk in the roadbed. The conductors are in active communication with a permanent magnet countersunk in the chassis of the toy car. The permanent magnet is shiftable in the chassis along an inclined plane in order to adjust the clearance between permanent magnet and the current conductors. According to the invention, the permanent magnet can be shifted along a ferromagnetic holding plate oriented at an angle relative to the roadway plane. The plate is received in a retaining means formed in one piece with the chassis. The underside of the retaining means contains two guide rails, along which the permanent magnet can be shifted.

Abstract: A remote control toy car and bubble blower arrangement includes a chassis equipped with front wheels and rear wheels and covered with a car body and a pivoted hood, a reciprocating bar adapted to open/close the hood, a bubble-blowing ring, which is moved with the hood and dipped in the solution in a solution container when the hood is closed, a cam wheel controlled to reciprocate the reciprocating bar, a van wheel adapted to blow air through the bubble-blowing ring when the hood is opened, a gear box adapted to rotate the can wheel and the rear wheels, and a motor controlled by a remote controller to rotate the vane wheel and the gear box.

Abstract: A remote control model car has a rear suspension mechanism mounted in either side of the chassis. The chassis has a suspension body. The rear suspension mechanism comprises a pivotal adjustment rod coupled to the lug of the suspension body, a pivotal arm mechanism, a hub mechanism, and a shock absorber pivotably secured to the arm mechanism and the suspension body. This can effect a smooth, simple, and reliable wheel angle adjustment.

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 Problem is to provide a four-wheel drive toy adapted to run using a flywheel in which four wheels of the four-wheel drive toy are all made to easily come into contact with an uneven surface such as an irregular floor surface, gradient surface and obstacle as much as possible so that driving force from the four wheels is transmitted to the uneven surface, whereby the four-wheel drive toy can run over the uneven surface. The present invention relates to a four-wheel drive toy using a flywheel.

Abstract: A ground-engaging toy vehicle powered by water flowing from a garden hose. The hose is connected to a stationary portion of a stake that serves as a center of revolution for the tethered vehicle. The water leaves the stationary portion of the stake into a rotary portion, traversing through a plastic tube that serves as a tether into an impeller housing. The impeller is attached to the drive shaft that is, in turn, attached through a reduction gear box and a series of pulleys and drive belt to the four wheels of the vehicle. After the water stream of the hose has partially exhausted its energy driving the wheels, it is discharged from the impeller housing to a plurality of fluid exhaust ports to provide one or more water sprays for kids to run through. In the preferred embodiment, the toy vehicle is configured as a fire truck.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a running toy is provided having a rear-end portion of a fore undercarriage with front wheels pivotally coupled with a fore-end portion of a rear undercarriage with rear wheels. Further, a fore toy body is attached to the fore undercarriage, and a rear toy body is attached to the rear undercarriage, where the fore toy body and rear toy body are sustained such that these car bodies move parallel toward or away from each other, and where a rear-wheel driving mechanism for driving at least either the front wheels or the rear wheels is disclosed herein.

Abstract: This invention provides a toy vehicle incorporating actuators made from a shape memory alloy material. These actuators may be in the form of a spring, wire or similar form that has a mechanical response upon the application or removal of heat. In particular, wires may be connected about hinges for doors, hoods, convertible roofs and other such items which, upon the application of heat to the wire of shape memory alloy, causes contraction of the wire and rotation about the hinged joint of the body part. As such shape memory alloy actuators are generally only operably in a single direction, they may be provided in pairs or in opposition to another biasing means to cause the opposed rotation about the joint when desired. The preferred source of heat to the shape memory alloy actuators is through the provision of electrical energy to the wire to create heat through the resistance of the shape memory alloy actuator itself.

Abstract: A railroad car incorporating a pair of wheel carriages, each wheel carriage holding four wheels, and pivotally connected to a housing 8, the housing having a lower clearance passage provided through its bottom, an upper longitudinally inclined slot, opening to its top, and an aperture therethrough, and through which a fastener may locate, for pivotal securement of the wheel carriage to the underside of a railroad car.

Abstract: A toy vehicle that is battery powered and driven by an electric motor mounted on the vehicle. The toy vehicle is designed for high and low speed operation in both a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode, as well as having a free wheel mode where the wheels are not in driving engagement with the electric motor. Thus the toy vehicle has at least five operating modes: 1) a higher speed two-wheel drive mode; 2) a lower speed two-wheel drive mode; 3) a higher speed four-wheel drive mode; 4) a lower speed four-wheel drive mode; and 5) a free wheel mode. Providing the toy vehicle with all of these operating modes makes the vehicle more interesting to children. In addition, the front end of the toy vehicle is designed to light up thereby increasing the visual appeal of the vehicle, especially for children. Further, the toy vehicle employs a unique electrical connection between the battery and the electric motor that does not require soldering or wiring, thereby simplifying assembly of the vehicle.