Abstract: A boom assembly for a bucket of a toy vehicle comprises at least one bucket bearer, which is articulated to a frame of the toy vehicle by a first swivel joint, and at least one telescopic support with two telescopic elements, which can be displaced in telescopic manner with respect to one another. One of the telescopic elements is articulated to the bucket bearer by a second swivel joint, the other telescopic element is articulated to the frame by a third swivel joint. Furthermore, at least one latch mechanism is provided, the latch mechanism having a latch body which is provided on one of the telescopic elements, and a counter body which is provided on the bucket bearer. The bodies of the latch mechanism are positioned with respect to one another such that when the bucket bearers are moved from a lowered basic position into a raised position, the latch body comes to rest against the counter body before the raised position is reached, the telescopic support being bent with the production of a bending tension.

Abstract: Improved blow-molded wheels, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the same are disclosed. The blow-molded wheels may include a blow-molded wheel body that is configured to rotate about an axis and has a tread surface that extends circumferentially around the wheel body and may have a circumferential profile that is defined as the locus of points at which the radial distance from the axis to the tread surface is greatest at each position around the circumference of the tread surface. The radial distance from the axis to the circumferential profile may change from a first radius to a second radius that is larger than the first radius at a plurality of spaced-apart positions along the circumferential profile. The method for producing the blow-molded wheels may include providing a mold with pinch-off rings that have an opening configured to form the circumferential profile.

Abstract: A steerable toy vehicle includes a first steering plate having a proximal end and a distal end, the first steering plate having a first steering plate pivot point at its distal end, and a second steering plate having a proximal end engaged with the proximal end of the first steering plate so that rotation of the second steering plate in a first rotational direction causes the first steering plate to rotate in a second rotational direction. The vehicle includes at least one tire rotatably coupled to the first steering plate, and at least one tire rotatably coupled to the second steering plate. Rotation of either one of the first or second steering plates in a first rotational direction causes the toy vehicle to steer left, and rotation of the same one of the first or second steering plates in a second rotational direction causes the toy vehicle to steer right.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy disk wheel. The disk wheel is defined to include a housing having first and second housing members, each housing member is substantially shaped as a half disk such that assembly of the first and second housing members forms a disk with a rounded outer surface to permit the housing to roll on a surface and a pair of outer sections. A transparent side portion is positioned along each outer surface of the pair of outer sections. Each transparent side portion includes a protuberance positioned about the center of the transparent side portion with a notch positioned thereon. The notch is used to accommodate an axle having ends which transverse the housing to rotatably position in the notches of both side portions.

Abstract: A device and a mechanism is provided for incorporation of traditional skateboard maneuvers on a miniature level. The device may be a toy fingerboard skateboard that may be utilized to perform common skateboard tricks. The device may have a spring click mechanism that is incorporated into the toy skateboard design whereby the spring may be placed at the tail kick section of the skateboard. The device may allow for pressure to be placed on the spring click portion of the board thereby increasing the traction to the front of the board which in turn allows the skateboard to lift from the surface in which it is placed. The increased traction and pressure on the fingerboard allows for the performance of different skateboarding tricks that are typically not successful with the fingerboard skateboard because of traction and size limitations.

Abstract: A portable device comprises a motor for providing vibration, a power source for powering the motor, a switching device for controlling the direction of the motor, propelling means for engaging a surface and for propelling the device when the motor is vibrating, the propelling means extending downwardly at an angle to the vertical, and an input device connected to the switching device, the switching device arranged to switch the direction of the motor when the input device receives a predetermined signal. Advantageously, the propelling means comprise a set of bristles. By using angled bristles, this increases friction in the backwards direction and so causes the device to move forwards when vibrating. The bristles dig into surface when vibration tries to move the object backwards, and the bristles slide over surface when vibration tries to move object forwards.

Abstract: A toy vehicle and launching system. The male section of a strap connector is attached to the toy vehicle. The male section has elongated arms that extend from the back of the toy vehicle. Separately, the female section of a strap connector is provided. The female section has a connector body with a front opening and side openings. The elongated arms from the male section are insertable into the connector body through the front opening. The elongated arms pass into the connector body until they reach an engaged position. At the engaged position, the elongated arms engage the side openings and retain the elongated arms within the connector body. The elongated arms store spring energy. When released from the engaged position, the energy stored in the elongated arms acts to accelerate the toy vehicle out and away from the connector body.

Abstract: A toy vehicle collision set. The toy vehicle collision set includes a plurality of launchers that propel collision vehicles through the air. The launchers are aimed to propel the plurality of collision vehicles into a collision zone. The collision vehicles fired from the launchers can collide in the collision zone when fired from the launchers. The toy vehicle collision set further includes a track that directs a target vehicle along a path of travel. The path of travel includes an airborne segment in which the target vehicle jumps across the collision zone. Collision vehicles fired from the launchers can be used to knock the target vehicle off its path of travel.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a plurality of wheels and an electric motor operably coupled to rotate at least one of the wheels. At least the one wheel and preferably each rotated wheel includes a hub and a tire mounted on the hub. The tire has an interior sufficiently hollow to make the wheel buoyant in water and the wheel is sufficiently sealed to prevent water penetration of the interior of the tire with the wheel immersed in water. The tire has a central portion surrounding the hub and a plurality of hollow lobes spaced from one another about the central portion. Each lobe has a pair of opposing outer sides at least one outer side being at least partially inwardly cupped to improve thrust caused by rotation of the wheel in water.

Abstract: A relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having a trigger moveably secured to the relay segment proximate to a first vehicle track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment, the trigger being capable of movement between a first position and a second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring-powered toy vehicle with a front body portion, a separable rear body portion, rotating wheels and a spring propulsion system. When the rear body portion is pulled away from the front body portion and released, the spring will pull the rear body portion back into the front body portion, thereby causing the vehicle to move forward. Parallel vehicle guides prevent the rear movable body portion from pulling away in a non-axial direction, thus guiding the propelled toy vehicle in a straight line. Other aspects provide interchangeable and replaceable springs, and body portions. Additionally, vehicle choices include autos, trucks, motorcycles, planes, and construction equipment. A launcher is included that provides a stable platform for launching the vehicles and additionally imparts, through a peg and notch assembly and a spring-loaded plunger, additional kinetic energy for propulsion.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy disk wheel. The disk wheel is defined to include a housing having first and second housing members, each housing member is substantially shaped as a half disk such that assembly of the first and second housing members forms a disk with a rounded outer surface to permit the housing to roll on a surface and a pair of outer sections. A transparent side portion is positioned along each outer surface of the pair of outer sections. Each transparent side portion includes a protuberance positioned about the center of the transparent side portion with a notch positioned thereon. The notch is used to accommodate an axle having ends which transverse the housing to rotatably position in the notches of both side portions.

Abstract: A lever activated toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis and a lever. The chassis accommodates the body and has a front wheel and a rear wheel. A motor is disposed within the chassis and is drivingly coupled to at least one of the wheels. The lever is movably supported on the toy vehicle so as to be accessible by a user for movement between a first position and a second position. The toy vehicle further includes a moveable part and an actuator mechanism. The moveable part has at least a portion on the exterior of the body and a portion on the interior of the body. The actuator mechanism is operably coupled with the motor and the moveable part and is configured to move the moveable part from the concealed position to the revealed position after the lever is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An improved start gate for gravity-driven cars which is itself a gravity-driven compound pendulum. The pendulum includes a horizontal drop member rigidly connected at one end to a start post support rod which in turn supports a plurality of start posts. A trigger lever, when moved either directly or remotely, allows the drop member to fall as in a compound pendulum thereby rotating the start posts and allowing the cars to start. The embodiment teaches that the subsequent initial start post acceleration is approximately twice the car acceleration. The equations of motion are solved showing that the start posts are guaranteed not to interfere with car motion. A major advantage over prior art spring-loaded start gates is that the gate “slap” from stopping overly-forceful spring motion and the associated track jarring and car jostling is eliminated, thereby contributing substantially to a more smooth and fair start.

Abstract: A toy vehicle having a plurality of play configurations, comprising a frame; a vehicle body moveably coupled to the frame with at least two degrees of freedom of movement, said two degrees of freedom of movement including a longitudinal translation of the body relative to the frame for selecting at least a first play configuration of the plurality of play configurations; and a rotation of the body relative to the frame for selecting at least a second of the plurality of play configurations.

Abstract: A process execution apparatus and method is disclosed by which a process can be executed significantly simply and readily. The process execution apparatus includes a direction recognition section for recognizing a housing member shaking direction in which a housing member is shaken, and a process execution section for executing a process in response to the housing member shaking direction recognized by the direction recognition section. The direction recognition section recognizes the housing member shaking direction with respect to a direction of the gravity detected when the housing member is held by a person.

Abstract: A playset for use with a toy vehicle including an elongate track defining at least one travel path. In some examples, the playset includes a switching mechanism for switching a toy vehicle between different travel paths. In some examples, the playset includes an obstacle mechanism for selectively deploying an obstacle in at least one travel path. In some examples, the playset includes indicator mechanisms, including an active indicator mechanism and a passive indicator mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy vehicle for collecting and conveying garbage, paper or the like, having a collection container with charging hole, and distinguished by a collecting and emptying arrangement for a garbage can, paper can or the like.

Abstract: A wheelie bar assembly for a model vehicle has a mast member having one or fasteners for securing the mast member to a model vehicle, a bearing support member having a length and secured to the mast member for pivotal movement about one or more pivot points, a bearing support member having a length and secured to the mast member for pivotal movement about one or more pivot points, a bearing element secured to or formed on the bearing support member for contacting a surface underlying the vehicle and resisting a wheelie of the vehicle, an adjustment member secured to the mast member for pivotal movement relative to both the mast member and the bearing support member, and the adjustment member being securable to a plurality of different locations along the length of the bearing support member to vary the position of the bearing support member relative to the mast member and a surface underlying the vehicle.

Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.

Abstract: An improved roller system includes a roller support body having a center longitudinal axis and a base wall and at least one roller unit mounted within the roller support body. Each of the roller units include a ball-retaining cavity which extends upwards within the roller support body and a generally spherical roller ball rotatably mounted there within, and a roller ball retention device rotatably retains the roller ball within the ball-retaining cavity with a lower portion of the roller ball extending below the base wall of the roller support body such that the roller support body is rollably supported on the roller ball. A main book support strut is mounted on and extends from the roller support body. At least two book pages are bound together via a book binding in a book format, and pages are mounted on the main book support strut on the roller support body.

Abstract: A remotely controlled four-wheeled toy vehicle has first and second parallel rotational axes with a first pair of wheels disposed and rotational about the first rotational axis in first and second opposing directions, and a second pair of wheels disposed and rotational about the second rotational axis in first and second opposing directions. Each of the wheels has a circular periphery and a flap disposable in inboard and outboard positions. A remote control causes rotation of the first and/or second pairs, together or independently. The flaps are all disposed substantially on or within the circular peripheries of their associated wheels during their inboard positions and all extend external to the circular peripheries during their outboard positions.

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 special purpose processor (SPP) can use a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or similar programmable device to model a large number of neural elements. The FPGAs can have multiple cores doing presynaptic, postsynaptic, and plasticity calculations in parallel. Each core can implement multiple neural elements of the neural model.

Abstract: A traveling toy system is provided, in which it becomes possible to reduce the amount of information transmitted to a video display device. In the traveling toy system, a video camera, a video camera controller which is adjustably controls at least a frame rate of the video camera, a signal transmission device which transmits a video signal outputted from the video camera to a video display device, and electric storage means for power supply are mounted on the traveling toy which travels on a traveling lane using a potential energy. The traveling toy system further includes a traveling toy carrier device which carries the traveling toy from a position where the potential energy is low to a position where the potential energy is high. The video camera controller changes the frame rate so that when a traveling speed of the traveling toy is higher than a given speed, the frame rate may be increased from the frame rate at the time that the traveling speed is lower than the given speed.

Abstract: A moving toy utilizing a magnetic force movable by itself without exposing the presence of a moving force by using an interaction force by the magnetic force without relying on natural fall so that a user can take more enjoyment by the strangeness and sustaining of its movement. The moving toy comprises a moving toy body (11) having a drive belt (13) on which magnetic poles (12) are disposed at prescribed intervals, a drive means (14), and magnetic poles (15) installed on the outer surfaces of the moving toy body. A moving road surface (16) formed in a channel-shaped gutter-like body in cross section comprises magnetic poles (17) installed on the inside bottom surface thereof at prescribed intervals, and magnetic poles (18) installed on the side parts (161) of the moving road surface at prescribed intervals.

Abstract: A toy or play set is provided that includes one or more components having a sensor with a state, and an actuator coupled to the sensor. The sensor is capable of sensing an action of a user/object in the play area or a proximity of the object and setting the state of the sensor in accordance with the sensed action or proximity. A controller determines the state of the sensor and performs or initiates an action in accordance with the state of the sensor.

Abstract: A toy vehicle including: a housing defining an interior section of the vehicle; a motor mounted in the housing; a drive shaft operatively connected to the motor and extending through an opening in the housing; and a propeller or wheel mounted on an end portion of the drive shaft. The drive shaft includes a polygon shaped driving element that is countersunk into a rear portion of the propeller/wheel for providing reliable transfer of power from the motor to the propeller/wheel.

Abstract: A method of producing a scale automobile replica by deforming a sheet of metal into a metal body blank having a front, a back, sides and a roof, which collectively define an external profile of the replica automobile. Portions of the metal body blank are removed to define openings for a decklid, a hood, windows and wheelwells of the replica automobile. The metal body blank is then shaped and detailed by stamping with a collection of dies, and hinged closures are located within respective opening to form the decklid and hood.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arragement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: The model having hovering capability includes one or more air cushions that are capable of tilting and rotating simultaneously. By tilting one or more air cushions, the frictional contact with the ground surface is increased and the air bearing effect of that cushion is lost. By rotating that same air cushion while tilted, the model with hovering capability is provided with propulsion and steering capability. The tilting and rotating of the air cushions provides increase propulsion over rougher terrains, and enables the vehicle to be amphibious by traversing both water and land.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive robotic device having a body, a transport mechanism, a drive mechanism, a plurality of inputs and outputs for receiving, delivering and/or displaying information, including aural and/or visual information or signals, a container for carrying or holding items to be delivered or dispensed to a user, and a dispensing structure for dispensing items to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an installation for competitive play with an ice hockey stick and an ice hockey puck. The installation includes a game platform, a goal with targets, target identifiers and a computer. A computer controlled puck circuit includes a puck magazine (30), a passing unit (46) which feeds pucks (1) to a player (40), a conveyor apparatus (2) which sorts and conveys shot pucks (1) into the puck magazine (30). The points value of shots made by the player (40) are evaluated with the help of a light barrier A (48) and a light barrier B (49), a camera (50) und a corresponding underlying computer program and the points assigned form the basis for a competitive play which can be played over the international data network.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle having a casing, a motor assembly, a cradle supporting the propulsion system, and an outer shell. The casing surrounds the propulsion system with three connected rings, each ring capable of independent rotation. The cradle is positioned in the center of the vehicle and is attached to the innermost ring. The outer shell encircles the motor assembly, cradle, and casing, and is constructed from a plurality of vertical and horizontal bars. The vehicle rolls upon the ground while the cradle remains upright. The vehicle may be operated by a remote control or by a person seated within the vehicle.

Abstract: A developmental toy for small children includes a contacting member is rotated by an electric motor and a controller that, in response to input from a sensor, signals the electric motor to move the toy from a starting position for an initial period of time in an initial direction and signals the motor to wait a resting period of time. If no further input is received from a child that is detected by the sensor within the resting period of time, the controller signals the motor to move the toy back in an opposite sense, toward the starting location.

Abstract: A toy vehicle including: a housing defining an interior section of the vehicle; a motor mounted in the housing; a drive shaft operatively connected to the motor and extending through an opening in the housing; and a propeller or wheel mounted on an end portion of the drive shaft. The drive shaft includes a polygon shaped driving element that is countersunk into a rear portion of the propeller/wheel for providing reliable transfer of power from the motor to the propeller/wheel.

Abstract: A toy includes a body of a shape of any animal, automobile, etc. and a roller combined with the body and a shaft. The roller is made of a mixture of TPR (thermal plastic rubber) and white oil so as to give the roller some viscosity, having a plurality of lengthwise convex protrusions formed on its outer circumference, The shaft extends and fixed firmly in a center shaft hole formed in the roller, having two ends supported by two plates fixed on an inner wall of the body to let the roller roll together with the shaft. Then the toy can roll down on a slope or a vertical wall surface with slow speed caused by the roller's viscosity and the convex protrusions.

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 mechanically propelled apparatus for teaching principles of mechanics. The apparatus includes a drive wheel disposed on a first axis of rotation and a power drum disposed on a second axis of rotation. At least one flexible tensile member transmits energy from a weight to the drive wheel via the power drum to propel the apparatus.

Abstract: A simulated emergency vehicle display, for providing realistic light and sound in a toy emergency vehicle having a housing, having a front, a back, and a roof. A pair of headlights are located at the front, a pair of tail lights are located at the rear, and a plurality of light bar LEDs are located on the roof. A control circuit alternately illuminates each of the headlights, alternately flashes each of the tail lights three times, and repeatedly illuminates the light bar LEDs in sequence to simulate motion by the light bar LEDs. A speaker is selectively activated to provide a realistic siren sound.

Abstract: A personal computer that looks like a school bus or other toy, which uses characteristic items on the toy for computer control and status functions. A common computer mainframe connects to standard peripheral components in the ordinary way, including a monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. However, the computer housing has the shape of a school bus or other toy, with various features incorporated into the unit via a combination of molded plastic and printing on the surface and added modeling details, such as headlights, taillights, running lights, tires in wheel wells, grill, bumpers, license plate, etc. Functions like CD/DVD drives and floppy drives emerge from the luggage area on top of the vehicle or extend underneath the grille of the vehicle for easy access. The power supply mounts in the rear of the vehicle with a motherboard running along the bottom portion of the vehicle. Peripheral component connectors are located along the bottom of the bus.

Abstract: Problems are solved in a conventional traveling structure that can perform only the back and forth movement, circularly back and forth movement, and straight laterally movement, so that every directional movement is desired, and is not suitable for a traveling structure of agricultural equipment desired to be movable in every direction, and also is not enough of a challenge to be a traveling toy. In a traveling structure for traveling by rotating wheels with a driving source such as a motor, the traveling structure comprises a main body, the wheels arranged on every side of the main body, and auxiliary wheels arranged in the wheels rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the wheels, wherein the auxiliary wheels are protruded from a supporting surface of the wheels.

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 wireless control miniature low-profile toy car comprising a chassis for supporting front and rear wheels, a front wheel steering mechanism, a covered control circuit board therefor, a drive motor and a battery. A shell miniature car body is attached to and substantially covers the chassis. The circuit board is positioned and secured atop a bottom panel of the chassis, while the battery is positioned and secured above the circuit board and at least partially within a central raised portion of the car body whereby the height of the central raised portion of the car body is substantially reduced. The front steering includes an upright pivot shaft connected at an upper end thereof to a mating cavity or aperture formed on a front hood of said car body which allows a further reduction in profile height of the hood of the toy car.

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 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: 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: 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.