Abstract: A vehicle configured to move through a network of interconnected tubes includes a body, a motor, a motorized wheel, a biasing assembly, and a first element. The motorized wheel directly engages an inner surface of the tubes. The biasing assembly causes the motorized wheel to maintain continuous contact with the inner surface of the tubes during operation. A waist of the vehicle is constrained by an inner diameter (D) of the curved tube, a radius of curvature (R) of the curved tube, and a length (L) of the wheelbase of the vehicle. The waist of the body is sized such that the vehicle can freely move within any of the tubes without getting stuck therein.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to move through a network of interconnected tubes includes a body, a motor, a motorized wheel, a biasing assembly, and a first element. The motorized wheel directly engages an inner surface of the tubes. The biasing assembly causes the motorized wheel to maintain continuous contact with the inner surface of the tubes during operation. A waist of the vehicle is constrained by an inner diameter (D) of the curved tube, a radius of curvature (R) of the curved tube, and a length (L) of the wheelbase of the vehicle. The waist of the body is sized such that the vehicle can freely move within any of the tubes without getting stuck therein.

Abstract: An automated warehouse storage system including a multilevel storage array is provided. Each aisle has a set of storage levels and each level has storage locations distributed along the aisle. The guideway network extending through the multilevel storage array is configured for autonomous vehicles to move along the guideway network within the multilevel storage array. The guideway network including an inter-aisle guideway spanning at least two of the multiple aisles and a set of guideway levels extending in an aisle of the multiple aisles and disposed so that each guideway level is at a different one of the storage levels and the vehicles on the guideway level can access the storage locations distributed along the aisle. Each set of guideway levels is connected to the inter-aisle guideway forming a common guideway path so that a vehicle can move between inter-aisle guideway and each guideway level along the common guideway path.

Abstract: An improved toy vehicle transfer station playset is disclosed herein. The playset includes a support frame that extends upwardly from a support surface. Coupled to the support frame is a slide rail having a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed higher than the second end with respect to the support surface. A carrier is movably coupled to the slide rail, and is configured to move along the slide rail from a first position proximate the first end to a second position proximate the second end of the slide rail via gravity. The carrier includes a track section for receiving a toy vehicle. The playset also includes a retaining mechanism disposed on the slide rail and configured to retain the carrier in the first position. However, when a toy vehicle is disposed on the track section of the carrier, the retaining mechanism releases the carrier to move along the slide rail to the second position.

Abstract: An automated warehouse storage system including a multilevel storage array is provided. Each aisle has a set of storage levels and each level has storage locations distributed along the aisle. The guideway network extending through the multilevel storage array is configured for autonomous vehicles to move along the guideway network within the multilevel storage array. The guideway network including an inter-aisle guideway spanning at least two of the multiple aisles and a set of guideway levels extending in an aisle of the multiple aisles and disposed so that each guideway level is at a different one of the storage levels and the vehicles on the guideway level can access the storage locations distributed along the aisle. Each set of guideway levels is connected to the inter-aisle guideway forming a common guideway path so that a vehicle can move between inter-aisle guideway and each guideway level along the common guideway path.

Abstract: A toy playset is provided. The toy playset may include a base having a first play surface and may further include a first socket attached to the first play surface. The first socket may include a central detent configured to releasably retain a toy wheel with a portion of the toy wheel held inside the central detent. The first socket may include a pair of lateral detents configured to releasably retain a toy axle. The lateral detents may extend across the first socket and may intersect the central detent. The lateral detents may be narrower than the central detent.

Abstract: A flexible toy car racing track comprises two paths to receive and guide toy cars along a length of the track. A raised portion forms a boundary between the two paths. A recessed portion is formed on a bottom of the track and coincides with the raised portion. The raised portion engages the recessed portion when the flexible track is rolled up in a compact storage configuration. The engagement between the raised portion and the recessed portion restricts relative lateral movement between the raised portion and the recessed portion to maintain the track in the rolled up storage configuration.

Abstract: A toy vehicle racetrack is provided with one or more obstacle pairs. The obstacle pairs may be arranged in a geometrical progression and each obstacle pair may determine the relative positions of two toy vehicles and impede the travel of the trailing vehicle. Impeding the travel of the trailing vehicle may be accomplished by ejecting the trailing toy vehicle from the track.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved track which increases the speed of a gravity-driven racing car. Firstly, a micro-grooved wheel rolling surface increases the friction for lateral movement of the car wheels through a fingerprint effect, thus straightening the trajectory of the path to the finish line. Secondly, this effect also reduces the amount of sideways movement towards the central guide strip and the associated bumping velocity. Thirdly, a low-friction material on the central guide strip reduces the frictional drag when contacted by a car's wheels. Fourthly, the micro-grooved surface also reduces the contact area between the wheel and the track surface causing a reduction in rolling friction. Finally, the micro-grooved rolling surface in combination with the low-friction guide strip material have a synergistic effect since the coefficient of sliding friction between a wheel and low-friction guide strip material is lessened because of a reduction in lateral velocity of contact.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, a vibrating mechanism, and a plurality of appendages each having an appendage base proximal to the housing and an appendage tip distal from the housing. One or more of the appendages are adapted to cause the apparatus to move across a surface in a forward direction generally defined by a longitudinal offset between the appendage base and the appendage tip, and the appendages include two or more appendages disposed such that the appendage tips of the two or more appendages are adapted to contact opposing surfaces to produce a net force in a direction generally defined by a longitudinal offset between the appendage base and the appendage tip of the two or more appendages as the vibrating mechanism causes the apparatus to vibrate. The net force can allow the apparatus to climb when the opposing surfaces are inclined.

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 wall descending toy has a housing and a moveable part. A sticky wheel is located with the housing to facilitate movement of the housing down an inclined or vertical surface. There is a mechanical link moveable with movement of the housing and which causes movement of the moveable part.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling multiple model vehicles while using only a single remote control transmitter. A remote control signal transmitter is provided for transmitting control signals. The transmitted control signals are received by a single master model vehicle. The master model vehicle contains a remote control signal receiver and various motors that enable the master model vehicle to move along a first pathway in response to the control signals that are received. At least one slave model vehicle is provided that is coupled to the master model vehicle. The slave model vehicle(s) contain no motors but are rather propelled by the master model vehicle. Each slave model vehicle does not travel along the same pathway as the master model vehicle, but rather travels in formation in pathways that are adjacent to the pathway of the master model vehicle.

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 track segment is disclosed. The toy vehicle track segment has a first end, a second end, an upper surface, and a plurality of nodes. The upper surface has a pair of parallel recessed rails extending from the first end to the second end. Each rail has an inner wall joined to an outer wall by a base surface. The plurality of nodes are located within at least one of the pair of rails. The nodes are provided for improving traction of a toy vehicle as it traverses along the upper surface. The nodes are located on the base surface and extend along a first direction transverse to the length of the upper surface.

Abstract: A toy vehicle and track system that allows a vehicle to operate along a single track length by performing U-turns at each end of the track length. When multiple track lengths are attached together, U-turn stoppers are retracted so that the vehicle travels along the entire track assembly and performs U-turns at the ends of the track assembly. Additionally, when multiple track lengths are attached in a loop formation, all the U-turn stoppers are retracted so that the vehicle travels in a continuous circular-like path. A control system is also provided that allows a rear vehicle to initiate operation of a front vehicle.

Abstract: A track system for a toy racing car, including a loop of track sections connected end-to-end together to form a lane for an electric toy car to run along, includes a track section having a body with a groove for guiding the movement of the toy car, a pair of conductive rails on opposite sides of the groove for supplying electrical power to the toy car, and a substantially flat upper surface with recesses on opposite sides of the rails for positioning respective obstacles for riding over by the wheels of the toy car. Some of the obstacles are rotatable and some of the obstacles are fixed.

Abstract: A toy includes a platform, a moving body, and a balance bar. The moving body has front and rear wheels rotatable about horizontal rotary axes, a turning wheel, and a drive unit coupled to the turning wheel and one of the rear wheels to drive movement of the moving body when the moving body is disposed on the platform. The turning wheel is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the rotary axes of the front and rear wheels, and prevents the moving body from falling off the platform when the moving body moves to a peripheral edge of the platform. The balance bar has an intermediate fulcrum portion mounted pivotally on the moving body about a horizontal pivot axis, and two arm portions projecting from two opposite lateral sides of the moving body.

Abstract: A toy includes a first platform with a proximate edge, a distal edge, and first and second lateral edges interconnecting the proximate and distal edges. A moving body has a front wheel, first and second rear wheels, and a turning wheel between the front and rear wheels. The moving body is provided with a driving unit coupled to the turning wheel and the first rear wheel. The turning wheel is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to that of the front and rear wheels, and is disposed higher than bottom portions of the front and rear wheels to prevent the moving body from falling off the first platform when the driving unit drives movement of the moving body on the first platform. A connecting rail has a first end portion mounted on the proximate edge, and is connected to a second platform.

Abstract: A compact miniature motor includes a DC motor, a worm gear, a pinion transfer gear, at least one cluster gear, an output gear, and an output shaft. A socket may be used to accept the output shaft. The gears form a gear train that wraps tightly around the DC motor in the shape of a capital letter J. Inverted trunnions stabilize the pinion transfer gear by extending longitudinally inside thereof. Acoustical chambers packed with grease suppress noise generated by the gear train. A PC board is also provided and has components for rectifying, filtering for constant DC, and modifying AC voltage before passing it to energize the DC motor. The output shaft may drive a product mover for beverage cans inside a vending machine or another type of electromechanical unit requiring the application of high torque.

Abstract: A wall walker toy car has a wheel with a sticky undulating surface. The wheel is mounted on a pivotable bracket which provides a cover for an aperture in a base of the car. For wall-walking mode, the bracket is manually rotated so that the surface is partially exposed to engage a vertical surface. In the configuration shown in the Figure, the surface of the wheel is wholly inside the car and so cannot be contaminated with dust and debris.

Abstract: An interactive book having at least one page which has a track formed on the page wherein the page is further provided with a pop-up bridge having a track thereon, the pop up bridge being formed from a sheet attached to the page and adapted to fold substantially two-dimensionally when the book is in a closed position and to extend three-dimensionally when the book is in an open position, wherein the tack on the bridge cooperates with the track formed on the page such that a toy figure may be continuously moved from the track on page to the track on the pop up bridge and back to the page.

Abstract: A tumbling toy includes a shell or housing formed of two or more telescoping sections, providing adjustment of the length of the shell and thus the moment of inertia of the toy to affect the tumbling rate. Extending the telescoping housing increases the moment of inertia of the toy, and provides a longer path of travel for the mass within the shell, resulting in a slower rate of tumble for a given slope. The sections may be separated also, allowing the mass contained within to be exchanged for one of greater or lesser mass, which also affects the tumbling rate of the toy. The outer shell sections may be made of plastic or other suitable material, with the moving mass contained therein comprising a marble or the like, or a steel or other metal ball bearing or the like, or a lead sphere or other suitable shape. An internal mass of less than the mass of the shell structure may be provided if desired, as well as masses substantially equal to the shell, or greater than the shell, as desired.

Abstract: A combination decorative kinetic poster and vertical vehicle toy racing game includes a substrate having colorful indicia for providing a decorative design. The substrate is designed to be vertically hung on a wall and is capable of supporting complementary kinetic decorative mobiles that extend from the substrate. A track member extends across the substrate to form a continuous path. Toy vehicles can be mounted for translating across the track member and operative interacting with the kinetic mobiles to cause a kinetic movement. The operator can be provided with hand controls for driving the toy vehicles to race across the track set.

Abstract: A toy is provided for lifting goods onto a stand-by portion and discharging them from the stand-by portion in response to the passing of an object. A goods lifting portion is pivotably supported by a vertical support member at a pivot point. A receiving portion is located at one end radially extending from the pivot point. An extension member is located at a second end radially extending from the pivot point for upwardly pivoting the receiving portion to empty the goods from the receiving portion onto the stand-by portion when the support member reaches a predetermined vertical distance. A contact member provides a force upon the passing of an object. A separating and discharging member rotatingly receives goods of a predetermined quantity from the stand-by portion and discharges the goods when the contact member provides the force. A retaining member disables the separating and discharging member when both positionally moved to a predetermined position and the absence of a magnetic force is detected.

Abstract: A roller coaster or gravity motive toy is disclosed herein having a tortuous elevated track layout and toy vehicle system including adjustable support stanchions for the track attached thereto by a universal joint. The vehicle includes rollers movably supporting the vehicle on the track with pivotal roller guide and lateral securement elements to detachably couple the vehicle to the track. An articulated figure or caricature is carried in the vehicle having pivotal extremities adapted for centrifugal actuation during travel of the vehicle. A motorized lift is operably carried on the track selectively engaging with a vehicle lifting the vehicle to an elevated starting position for gravity operation.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a single, continuous track includes a plurality of elevators associated with hill portions of the track. The track further includes a plurality of loops and a housing structure to effect visual enhancement in use of the organization. The vehicles utilized in the apparatus each include plural pairs of wheel sets, with each wheel set positioned above and below orthogonally a single track rail of a plurality of parallel rails defining the track. Coupling means include vertical and horizontally pivotal portions to permit both vertical and horizontal pivotment of the vehicles relative to one another in their traverse about the track.

Abstract: An automobile race track toy set is provided, having a roadway formed by straight and curved raceway segments, with two lanes having embedded current conductors therein. The raceway segments include inside and outside guiding edges, along which toy vehicles slide by means of a bridge which projects beyond the lateral surfaces of the toy vehicles, and the curved raceway segments include, parallel to and spaced from the inside guiding edge, an upright supporting wall which is lower than the inside guiding edge. The bridge of the toy vehicle includes a rod-shaped, downwardly directed support member which engages the groove-shaped space formed between the inside guiding edge and the supporting wall. A molded part is further provided, having a substantially L-shaped cross section, which mates with the curvature of the inside guiding edge and which is detachable from the curved raceway segment.

Abstract: A toy cog wheel railway is provided having a track with smooth driving faces and a center cogging member with two opposed vertically extending racks thereon. The associated train has an engine with a driven chassis and further cars with undriven running chassis. The chassis contain wheels with smooth faces to run on the driving faces of the track. The undersides of the chassis are provided with opposed guide members that contact the opposed sides of the cogging member. The driven chassis is provided with a motor whose drive axis is vertical with respect to the driving faces of the track and is offset with respect to the center line between the guide members so that a cogwheel attached to the drive axle engages only one of the racks.

Abstract: A track having spaced, parallel edges, including a plurality of adjacent curves facing in different directions and connections between the curves, around which a frame carrying an object, such as simulating a racing car, a greyhound, a horse, a camel or the like, is moved by gravity when the track is tipped. An inner panel has an outer contour providing the inner edge of the track, while an outer panel has an inner contour providing the outer edge of the track. The frame on which the object is mounted carries a pair of wheels engaging both the bottom and the top of the track at each side. The frame also carries a pair of circular, rotatable ball bearings mounted for rotation in the plane of the track panels and engageable alternatively with the opposed edges of the track for guiding the object around the track. The spacing between the track edges is slightly greater than the diameter of the ball bearings, to provide clearance.

Abstract: A ring type stunt toy device including a ring structure, two fixing blocks, a base and a wheeled toy wherein the ring structure has two metal rings which can be attracted by magnet at its inner circumference, two supports at its external circumference with column projections to insert into the recessions of the column member ends of the fixing blocks respectively so that the ring structure can rotate between the supports and the wheeled toy has a wheel like covers with a wheelbase slightly wider than the width of the ring structure so that it can be placed across the ring structure and while the right and left conductive wheels are contacting the metal rings, the motor in the wheeled toy rotate and drive the wheeled toy for forward movement and due to the weight of the wheeled toy, the ring structure rotate simultaneously.

Abstract: A toy slot car racing set is provided with linked, lead and follower car teams. The link is resilient and has a width substantially greater than the thickness, to provide some resistance to lateral flexing. Tight fits between a pin and aperture connection of each end of a link to a respective vehicle generally maintains the connected end of the link in a fixed angular relationship to the vehicle.

Abstract: A toy vehicle and track assembly includes a vehicle and a track along which the vehicle travels. The vehicle is formed with a plurality of wheels and a motor adapted to drive the wheels upon actuation. The track is formed with a guide extending along the length of the track. First and second clips are mounted for pivotal movement on the underside of the vehicle. The clips are adapted to engage the guide and to cooperate to move the vehicle towards the track such that at least one of the wheels is always in driving contact with the track.

Abstract: An action toy in which a spinner is provided having two wheels joined with a magnetized axle which rotates along a single flat elongated wand. The wand has a return at each end so that the spinner will rotate along a first side of the wand and then along a second side as a player moves the wand from hand to hand. A pendant may be provided attached to an extension of the axle and having a magnet at its distal end for picking up various objects adding additional play value. The wand may be provided in a variety of shapes to present an interesting path for the spinner. A ramp may be provided which is readily attachable to the wand at a return to permit the passage of the spinner off of or onto the wand.

Abstract: A three-dimensional game having rotatable track members mounted on a support frame on which a self-propelled vehicle may be guided over a predetermined course through rotation of the track members. The track members are mounted on the support frame so that they can be rotated into a plurality of positions in some of which positions a set of track members forms a substantially continuous path upon which the vehicle may travel from one track member to another track member. Rotation of the track members is accomplished through manipulation of a set of attached knobs. Each track member may include a metal panel to which the magnetized wheels of the self-propelled vehicle are attracted, allowing for rotation of a vehicle-carrying track member in a full circle without the vehicle falling from the track member.