Abstract: A driving mechanism for driving a wheel of a toy car includes a motor, a first clutch, a second clutch, a guide shaft, a spring, and a limiting element. The first clutch driven by the motor has an engaging end surface defining a center hole thereon. The second clutch capable of latching with the wheel for driving the wheel has an engaging surface engaging with the engaging end surface. The second clutch defines a stepped hole substantially perpendicular to the engaging surface thereof, the stepped hole includes a first portion and a second portion. The guide shaft is disposed running through the stepped hole and has an end thereof fixed in the center hole. The spring sleeves the guide shaft and is compressed between the limiting element secured on the guide shaft and a stepped surface in the stepped hole.

Abstract: The invention essentially relates to a method for blocking wheels of a vehicle when stopped in which a transmission device (1) is placed between an output (2) of a heat engine (3) and a wheel (5) axle shaft (4). This device (1) comprises an input shaft (13) connected to the output (2) of the engine (3), an output shaft (31) connected to the wheel axle shaft (4), and at least one electrical machine (6, 7). The device also comprises a mechanical assembly (12) interconnecting the input shaft (13), the output shaft (31) and the shaft (8, 9) of the machine. This assembly (12) is connected to a bridge (15) that, in turn, is connected to the wheel (5) axle shaft (4). The invention provides that, in order to block the wheels when the vehicle is stopped and to limit an observable torque on the elements of the assembly (12), the wheel axle shaft is blocked by the mechanical assembly.

Abstract: A toy vehicle may include a drive unit; a plurality of wheels; mechanical linkage coupling the drive unit to one or more of the wheels to permit energy stored in the drive unit to be discharged to drive the one or more driven wheels and propel the vehicle; and a user operable selector mechanism configured to permit a user of the toy to select, from a plurality of different speeds, a desired speed at which the vehicle is propelled when energy from the drive unit is discharged through the one or more driven wheels.

Abstract: An improved central speed control mechanism for remote control cars primarily comprises a housing and a cover, which are connectable to each other and are respectively provided with a pivot for connecting to the remote control car at one end and mounting helical gears at the other end. Inside of the housing is provided with a gear set, which comprises a positioning block, a plurality of bevel gears and axles. Axle holes are equally provided on the periphery of the positioning block, whereas a central hole with a cone surface is provided in the bevel gears for matching with the cone surface of the axle which is provided with a positioning pillar at the front end and a cone surface in the middle section. After the axle passes the end of the bevel gear provided with a O-ring through to the axle hole, and a washer is further provided at the rear of the axle to complete the assembly of the whole housing, the plurality of bevel gears of the gear set will engage with the helical gears of the two pivots.

Abstract: An ergonomically comfortable remote control apparatus includes a transmission controller unit and a transmitter unit electrically connected together. The transmission controller unit includes a transmission-controller-unit handle. An accelerator control finger lever and a brake control finger lever project outward from a first side of the transmission-controller-unit handle. A clutch thumb lever projects outward from a second side of the transmission-controller-unit handle. A steering wheel is connected to a portion of the transmission-controller-unit handle at a location above the accelerator control finger lever, the brake control finger lever, and the clutch thumb lever. A finger-operated steering control handle is connected to the steering wheel. A hand operated gear shift slide actuator is supported on the steering wheel and operates an upshift actuator button and a downshift actuator button located on the steering wheel.

Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle has a central chassis, a front end mounting a pair of front wheels which is rotatably coupled to the front of the chassis and a pair of rear wheels rotatingly mounted to the chassis. A single reversible electric motor is provided in the chassis to selectively rotate the front end with the front wheels about a generally longitudinal axis through a partial rotation for steering or through as many complete rotations as desired for stunts. The electric motor is also drivingly coupled to the rear wheels to provide propulsion power to the vehicle. A power take-off from the motor includes a one-way clutch which rotates the front end when the motor is propelling the vehicle in a reverse direction. A stop is provided to limit the free rotation of the front end. The stop releasably engages a collar around a shaft rotating the front end and is overcome by providing sufficient torque to the shaft or the front end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorized multi functional twist vehicle assembly that can be operated either by a user's twisting motion or by a motor. The main structure is a seat that also is the car body. In the front portion of the seat is a drive wheel assembly attached to the seat and the rear portion of the seat has rear wheels attached to the wheel shaft. The rear wheels have a wheel shaft and a clutch gear slideably attached to the wheel shaft. The clutch gear can be moved so as to engage and disengage a drive gear that is attached to a power motor assembly. A switching lever that controls the clutch arm is located on top of the seat. The meshing of the two gears can be done easily with the switching lever. In addition, the exact placement of the clutch gear and the drive gear for connecting and disconnecting can be achieved by the clutch arm or any other means of limiting the motion of the clutch gear.

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 toy vehicle is provided that is adapted for motor driven, battery powered operation, and in which the wheels can be disengaged from their gear train to permit free-wheeling use. The gear train for transmitting rotation from the motor drive shaft to the axle includes a worm gear mounted to the axle. The worm gear can be axially shifted along the axle with a manually manipulatable switch to engage and disengage the axle from the gear train. The switch preferably also controls transmission of electric power to the motor. In a presently preferred embodiment, electrical powers transmitted from the battery compartment to the motor solely by suitably disposed contact plates and, thus, is a “‘no wire’ design”.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided that is adapted for motor driven, battery powered operation, and in which the wheels can be disengaged from their gear train to permit free-wheeling use. The gear train for transmitting rotation from the motor drive shaft to the axle includes a worm gear mounted to the axle. The worm gear can be axially shifted along the axle with a manually manipulatable switch to engage and disengage the axle from the gear train. The switch preferably also controls transmission of electric power to the motor. In a presently preferred embodiment, electrical powers transmitted from the battery compartment to the motor solely by suitably disposed contact plates and, thus, is a “‘no wire’ design”.

Abstract: A battery operated miniature toy locomotive for use in a toy railway system is claimed. The toy railway system comprises a toy railway track configuration made up of a plurality of wooden toy railway track segments. Each wooden track segment has a pair of uniformly spaced depressions extending from a first connecting end to a second connecting end of each wooden track segment. The toy locomotive has a first pair of wheels positioned at a proximal end of the toy locomotive and a second pair of wheels positioned at a distal end of the toy locomotive. The first and second pairs of wheels are adapted for placement within the depressions formed on each wooden track segment. The toy locomotive further comprises a locomotive housing which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a motor for providing energy to the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels.

Abstract: A musical toy includes a train-like vehicle traveling on a track which includes visual indicia representative of a standard nine note musical staff. Note tiles having first fastener halves may engage with second fasteners at predetermined locations on the track corresponding with the locations of notes on the represented staff. Switch operators extending down from the train may engage the note tiles to play the music so represented by the note tiles and track in the staff and note configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a toy vehicle comprising a rear frame being provided with rear tires, and a front frame being provided with front tires, the front frame being retractably mounted for a expansion-and-contraction movement of the toy vehicle or viceversa.

Abstract: A self-propelling rolling toy includes a transparent spherical outer casing, a coupling rod provided in and coupled non-rotatably to the outer casing, a horizontal transmission shaft mounted rotatably in the outer casing, an inner body mounted rotatably on the shaft inside the outer casing, a clutch operable to lock selectively the inner body to the outer casing, and a winding-type driving unit disposed in the inner body. The driving unit includes a spiral energy spring with an innermost end coupled to the shaft and an outermost end coupled to the inner body, a ratchet and pawl unit provided on the shaft, and a gear set which couples the ratchet and pawl unit and the coupling rod.

Abstract: An adjustable speed control for use on a children's ride-on vehicle, where the speed control includes a switch assembly interposed between the battery and the motor of the vehicle. The switch assembly is selectively operable to connect the battery to the motor in one of a number of speed configurations, including a first speed configuration and a second speed configuration. An actuator is connected to the switch assembly and manipulable by a user to allow the user to operate the switch assembly to select a particular speed configuration from among the number of speed configurations. In one embodiment, a diode is disposed in series between the motor and battery in one of the speed configurations to provide a relatively current independent voltage drop between the motor and the battery. In an alternative embodiment, a childproof cover is disposed proximal to the actuator.

Abstract: A toy vehicle has a chassis, two axles, two pairs of wheels and four identical wheel support housings. Each wheel is mounted on a separate end of a separate one of the two axles by one of the wheel support housings. The wheels are mounted for rotation on the housings, which are mounted off center on the axles so as to rotate eccentrically around the axles with the wheels. Wheels on either lateral side of the chassis are driven by separate propulsion motors driving separate gear trains in the chassis to propel the vehicle. Collars around the axles and pairs of gears within the wheel support housings themselves couple the wheels with the gear trains. The axles are rotated together through a third shaft driven by a separate accessory motor to vary the eccentric position of the wheel support housings and thereby alter the appearance and performance of the vehicle. Slip clutches with angled, mating faces, effectively coupling the axles with the third shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering system provided on a chassis of a toy car comprising the following elements. A rotatable steering plate is rotatably provided on the chassis so as to rotate in a horizontal plane by a predetermined maximum angle toward left and right directions from a longitudinal center axis of the chassis. A spring member is provided on the chassis and mechanically connected to the rotatable steering plate at a position spaced apart from the longitudinal center axis of the chassis for forcing the rotatable steering plate to rotate and tilt toward one of the left and right directions from the longitudinal center axis of the chassis. A steering motor is provided on the chassis for generating a rotation power and the steering motor having a motor shaft. A rotary shaft is provided on the chassis. A transmission system mechanically connects the motor shaft and the rotary shaft for transmitting the rotation power generated by the steering motor into the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A toy vehicle has a drive wheel and a flywheel that are coupled together by a slip clutch which includes a flexible pawl extended from the drive wheel to the surface of the flywheel so that the drive wheel may be grasped and brought to an immediate stop without injury. The toy vehicle cooperates with the energizer-launcher so that the toy vehicle is spring catapulted therefrom upon release thereof. The energizer-launcher has a pistol grip handle with trigger for one-handed aiming and launching of the vehicle and a pull cord for accelerating the flywheel and drive wheel while the launcher is being held by the pistol grip handle. A tachometer may be provided on the energizer-launcher. The toy vehicle further may have a spark generator on the drive wheel which is activated by the rotation of the drive wheel after the vehicle is launched.

Abstract: An extremely simple gear system is disclosed whereby a pair of output gears may be controlled so as to rotate in the same or opposite directions. The gear system is particularly useful as the steering system for a toy vehicle in which a reversible motor drives a pair of steering gears in opposite directions on the same axis. A direction-control element is disposed on the same axis as that of the steering gears and is axially moved from first to second positions by cam mechanisms when the rotational direction of the motor is reversed. The direction-control element engages only one of the steering gears at a given time whereby a toy vehicle with the steering apparatus is controlled by changing the rotational direction of the motor such that the vehicle moves ahead or makes a turn.

Abstract: A self-propelled robot has a robot body on which a drive wheel is mounted. The drive wheel is connected to a member that can be turned about a vertical axis for steering the robot. A propulsion drive mechanism is mounted on that member for transmitting a propulsion drive to the drive wheel. The propulsion drive mechanism includes a clutch mechanism for disengaging the propulsion drive when the drive wheel encounters excessive resistance to travel. The clutch mechanism includes a spring biased clutch element mounted on an internal spline shaft of the drive wheel.

Abstract: A self-propelled toy train engine for pulling a train of wooden railroad cars over a variety of surfaces including a child safe magnetic coupling for connecting the engine to the railroad cars, high traction drive wheels for being propelled over a variety of surfaces, a gear train which disengages from the drive axle given a predetermined force. The train engine is weighted to provide added traction for propelling the train set over smooth surfaces and a low center of gravity for stabilizing the engine when propelling the train set over rough surfaces such as carpeting.

Abstract: A chassis and drive train for toy vehicles comprises a housing, front and rear axles mounted on the housing for rotation, a drive motor, and an output power transmission coupled between the motor and the first axle for driving the first axle. A coupling transmission connected between the first and second axles for transmitting the rotation of the first axle to the second axle includes a first transmission train driven by the first axle, an idler mounted on the housing and driven by the first transmission train, and a second transmission train driven by the idler and driving the second axle. The transmission trains of the coupling transmission include drive shafts that intersect at an angle of substantially less than 180 degrees. With this geometry, the bottom of the chassis housing can be located well above the base plane defined by the axles, inasmuch as the drive shafts that couple the axles are oblique to each other and the idler is located well above the base plane.

Abstract: When an electric motor is rotated normally, a left-hand driving wheel is rotated normally by a drive gear through a large gear, a left-hand small gear, and a left-hand driven gear, and a right-hand driving wheel is also rotated normally through a right-hand small gear, a swing gear, an intermediate gear, and a right-hand driven gear, thereby causing the vehicle toy to run straight. When the electric motor is switched to a reverse rotation, the left-hand driving wheel is rotated reversely, and the swing gear is brought into engagement directly with the right-hand driven gear to rotate the right-hand driving wheel normally. As a result, the vehicle toy makes a continuous turn at a small radius of rotation.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a toy vehicle body, a plurality of drive wheels coupled to the body, a motor having an output shaft, a gear drive coupled to the output shaft and a transmission having a changeable gear ratio coupling the gear drive to at least one of the wheels responsive to the load imposed upon the transmission and changing the gear ratio in response thereto.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a generally rectangular hollow supporting chassis and a replica vehicle body pivotally secured to the chassis at the front portion. A return spring resiliently biases the rear portion of the truck body in a generally horizontal position. A battery power unit and electric motor are supported within the vehicle chassis and coupled to the vehicle wheels by a gear coupling mechanism. The gear coupling mechanism is engageable and disengageable by a shift lever extending upwardly from within the vehicle chassis to beyond the vehicle body. A sound unit includes a sound drum and a flexible reed supported closely thereto. A plurality of extending tabs within the drive gear system are operative upon motor rotation to flex and release the spring reed against the drum head sound unit to produce engine sounds. A heavy flywheel is coupled to the motor drive system and produces gradual slowdown when the motor is disengaged.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a toy vehicle includes a pinion having a driving side and a driven side and being fixedly coupled to a shaft, a high speed gear coupled to the pinion through a first clutch, and a low speed gear coupled to the pinion through a second, uni-directional clutch, wherein the second clutch slips in response to the first clutch being engaged to rotate the pinion at a relatively high speed, and wherein the first clutch slips when a predetermined force is applied to the driven side of the pinion, whereby the second clutch is engaged to rotate the pinion at a relatively low speed.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a body-and-chassis assembly comprising a main portion and a movable body component which is movable relative to the main portion. The toy vehicle further includes a manually operable operating mechanism in the body-and-chassis assembly for moving the movable body component between first and second positions thereof with a relatively slow steady dampened movement which simulates the movement of a body component of a full-sized vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an improved speed variable transmission system adapted for, in particular, electrically operated vehicle. The system is operated by common manual gear shift. The manual gear shift has a power source made up of a specially designed electric motor having a rotatable outer shell relatively moveable with respect to a core rotor so that the power from the rotatable outer shell and the core rotor of the electric motor can be output respectively to a front and a rear differential gear device, and the vehicle can be powered to move via the differential gear devices. The respective transmission shafts between the electric motor and the front and rear differential gear devices can be selectively locked so that the power from the motor can be selectively varied when output to the differential gear devices thereby the wheels of the automobile can be varied in speed.

Abstract: A drive device for a toy automobile includes a casing open at front and rear ends thereof and covering a path of travel, a flywheel rotatably supported on the casing for coming into abutting contact with an upper surface of a toy automobile at a prescribed position on the path of travel, an operating member axially slidably supported on the casing and having a push-button portion protruding externally of the casing and urged outwardly by a return spring, a pinion turned while in mesh with a rack provided on the operating member and extending axially thereof, and a gear speed-up mechanism incorporating a one-way clutch and interposed between the pinion and the flywheel for rotating the flywheel in a direction which propels the toy automobile forward only when the operating member is pushed inward.

Abstract: A mobile toy includes a plurality of body shells, each being shaped to resemble a different vehicle type, a chassis to which any one of the plurality of body shells is selectively and detachably coupled; and siren sound generating means, mounted on the chassis, for producing a plurality of siren sounds, each being selectable to correspond to a selected and coupled one of the plurality of body shells.

Abstract: In a radio-frequency radar system, a radar antenna (12) irradiates a region to be monitored, and antenna elements (14a-p) arrayed irregularly about a mobile platform (10) receive the resultant echo signal, which mixers (18 and 21) translate in frequency, coherently with the transmitted signal, to a lower frequency, at which a sample-and-hold circuit (24) can sample it. A beam-forming operation is performed on the sample signals by employing coefficients that have been computed from calibration readings taken by the elements mounted on the platform. The beam signals resulting from numerous successive transmitted pulses are then integrated coherently to produce an output.

Abstract: A starter device for a toy drive mechanism that simulates manual starting of a small engine. The starter device includes an input mechanism, operable by a user, for providing a first drive force; a memory mechanism for storing the number of operations of the input mechanism by the user; a sound generating mechanism for producing sounds in response to at least one of the first drive force and a second drive force; a motor mechanism for providing the second drive force in response to at least one of an intermittent input and the number of operations of the input mechanism being a predetermined number; and a mechanism for providing the intermittent input based on operation of said input mechanism and on the second drive force.

Abstract: A power module which when plugged into an open compartment in the body of a motorless toy vehicle acts to motorize the vehicle, the compartment being disposed above a coupling gear which is operatively linked to a wheel or other means to propel the vehicle. Pivotally supported within the case of the module is a DC motor and a gear assembly having attached thereto a control lever. A battery supply housed in the case is connected to the motor through a normally open switch that closes to power the motor when the control lever which normally is in a neutral mode, is shifted either to a forward mode in which the assembly is then inclined to drive the vehicle in the forward direction, or to a reverse mode in which the assembly is then oppositely inclined to drive the vehicle in the reverse direction. The assembly includes a worm gear on the motor shaft and a pair of drive pinions engaging the worm gear on either side thereof whereby the pinions are caused to rotate concurrently in opposite directions.

Abstract: A toy vehicle in which a flywheel motor assembly is operatively coupled to one set of wheels such that when the motor is revved up and the vehicle is released, it then advances on the ground in the forward direction. A settable distance counter assembly is operatively coupled to the other set of wheels to count the number of feet or other increment of distance travelled by the vehicle. Also included is a braking mechanism provided with a normally-retracted brake shoe whose position is off center with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and a normally-retracted brake clutch adapted to engage a braking wheel in the flywheel motor assembly. The braking mechanism is responsive to the distance counter such that when a pre-set distance is travelled by the vehicle, the brake shoe is projected below the chassis to engage the ground and the brake clutch is then caused to engage the braking wheel to arrest the motor.

Abstract: A toy vehicle transmission assembly unit having a drive gear that is nonrotatably mounted on a driven axle, and a multiple gear train that establishes a driving connection between the drive gear and a driving gear mounted on a shaft outwardly extending from a motor. The gear of the multiple gear train that immediately establishes the driving connection with the drive gear is shifted laterally by a shift lever that disengages the gear train from the drive gear. The transmission assembly unit is enclosed in a housing that provides a rotatable mounting for the drive gear.

Abstract: An omnidirectional toy vehicle has: a plurality of bearing members rotatively mounted on a chassis, each bearing member bearing an associated drive wheel and having a hollow portion at the center thereof along the whole length thereof; a steering mechanism including a stepping mechanism constructed of Geneva gears and a ratchet mechanism and being coupled to the bearing members in unison; and a drive mechanism including a power transmission mechanism for driving the drive wheels through the hollow portions of the plurality of bearing members. The outer, opposite sides of each wheel may be colored differently to indicate the direction of movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided, including: a body; a spring, power generating unit connected to the body; a plurality of driving wheels connected to the spring, power generating unit through a transmission; a pair of legs mechanically connected to the spring, power generating unit through the transmission; a crank mechanism connected to the legs; a speed control gear mechanism capable of being connected to or disconnected from the transmission by automatic switching motion of a planetary gear meshing with a first gear of the transmission; and a movable actuating member, one end of which contacts the ground when the driving wheels contact the ground, thus moving the other end of the actuating member which disengages the planetary gear from the speed control gear mechanism.

Abstract: This toy propels itself along the surface of a pool of water or along an extremely steep, irregular nonwater surface. A battery powers a motor, which drives the vehicle's four wheels and a steerable water jet. The wheels carry pronounced peripheral cleats for propulsion along both a water surface and a very steep, irregular nonwater surface. The hollow wheels, several times overscale, contribute significantly to overall buoyancy. The water-jet impeller aids propulsion along a water surface and can be rotated horizontally to direct the vehicle in circles of variable diameter. The motor shaft is aligned with the direction of vehicle travel and extends both forwardly and rearwardly from the motor to drive a symmetrical geartrain for nonwater-surface propulsion: fixed on each shaft end is a pinion that drives a spur gear, which in turn drives a worm, that in its turn drives a worm gear keyed to an axle. The worm gear drives the axle, which drives the wheels and tires.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a toy vehicle with an electric motor.The vehicle has a drive module (110) situated within a case (111). In the interior of the case are disposed an elecric motor (116) provided with a pinion (118), an inertial mass (114) provided with a pinion (115) and a coupling wheel (125, 126) mounted on a pivoting piece (128). When the pivoting piece is in a second position, the motor (116) launches the inertial mass (114). When the pivoting piece is in a first position, the energy stored by the inertial mass is transmitted to the wheel (124) dependent upon the axle of the movable wheels.

Abstract: A unique drive mechanism for a toy vehicle is disclosed which can be selectively enabled to cause the toy to come to an abrupt halt after a powered run, and which can cause the toy to realistically imitate a "spin out" of a full scale vehicle. The drive train includes a first gear directly rotated by a coiled spring, a second gear coupled in driving engagement with the vehicle's wheels, and a third gear shiftable between an engaged position coupling the first and second gears, and a cleared position wherein the second gear can rotate independently of the first gear. The third gear can be locked in its engaged position by a pivotal, gravity biased locking mechanism. The selective, locked engagement of the first, second and third gears causes the vehicle to come to an abrupt halt after the coil spring has fully unwound at the completion of a powered run.

Abstract: A toy vehicle propelled by a bi-directional, miniature d-c motor, coupled by a clutch through a gear train to a wheel axle. A manually-operated shift stick mechanism is operatively linked both to the clutch and to a polarity-reversing switch interposed between the motor and a battery. The arrangement is such that when the stick is in neutral, the battery is disconnected and the clutch is disengaged, whereby the vehicle is then free rolling. When the stick is put in its forward position, the clutch is engaged to couple the motor to the gear train and the switch is operated to apply voltage to the motor in a polarity causing the vehicle to travel in the forward direction. When the stick is put in its reverse position, the clutch is again engaged and the switch is operated to apply voltage to the motor in the reverse polarity, causing the vehicle to travel in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A two wheeled toy vehicle with a driving mechanism having a frictional driven wheel, an inertia type flywheel, two gear trains with a clutch gear driving apparatus and an operating member of the clutch gear driving apparatus. One of the gear trains is a gear wheel of a rear wheel, a clutch gear and a floating gear and a first non-displaceable gear and a flywheel gear, and the other of the gear trains is for transmission of rotation from the flywheel to the rear wheel through a second non-displaceable gear, and the clutch gear. The clutch gear is disposed on a movable clutch axle which is connected to the operating member of the clutch gear driving axle which is connected to the operating member of the clutch gear driving apparatus on which a doll is pivotally mounted. The doll has a pair of legs pivotally mounted on a frame and is mounted astride the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A shift mechanism for a motorized toy includes a shift lever which is mounted on the toy so as to be able to move back and forth along an X axis and back and forth along a Y axis. The toy includes an electric motor and electric power supply for powering the same. A gear train connects the electric motor to an output shaft. A shift mechanism is connected between the shift lever such that movement of the shift lever along one of the X or Y axes shifts certain of the gears in the gear train to control the speed of the output of the output shaft. Movement along the other of the axes of the shift lever controls an electric switch which governs both the polarity of the current supplied to the motor to provide for both forward and reverse rotation of the output shaft as well as to break the circuit between the power supply in order to start and stop the toy.

Abstract: An inertia motor especially--but not exclusively--for a toy vehicle. A rear wheel axle extends through the housing and has a drive gear mounted thereon to turn unitarily therewith. A flywheel is rotatably mounted on the housing for spinning to store or to payout energy. First and second gear trains extend between the drive gear and flywheel. A movable control lever carries first and second movable gears, one of the movable gears being an idler mounted on and movable with a shaft which passes through a pair of oppositely disposed arcuate slots, the other movable gears being mounted on a shaft journaled in the lever arm. The arcuate slots are located so that the idler gear meshes with one of the gear trains when the lever arm is in one of its two positions.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a transmission that automatically shifts from high speed to low speed when a load is placed on the rear wheels, due to rough terrain or otherwise, in either the forward or reverse direction. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a second clutch mechanism that simultaneously engages and drives a second set of wheels when the transmission shifts from high to low speed.

Abstract: A miniature toy vehicle powered by a single battery operated motor that, through a shiftable transmission, drives the vehicle in a low speed, four-wheel drive mode or in a high speed, two-wheel drive mode. When the motor is in the off position, the transmission is disengaged from the wheels so that the vehicle can free wheel.

Abstract: A toy having two modes of locomotion includes a body having a fly wheel rotatably mounted thereon. A further wheel is also rotatably mounted on the body. A plurality of appendage members each having ends are also mounted to the body about one of their ends. The appendage members are movable on the body between a retracted and extended position. When in the retracted position, the body is supported on a support surface by the fly wheel and the other wheel and can be moved across a support surface by energizing the fly wheel. When the appendage members are in the extended position, they contact the support surface such that the body is then supported by the appendage members. The fly wheel is connected to the appendage members via a gear train and appropriate crank disks and crank followers. Motion of the fly wheel can be transferred via the gear train, the crank disks and the crank followers to the appendage members so as to move the appendage members with respect to the body.

Abstract: This toy operates on continuous-belt treads that cooperate with other "climbing toy" features to provide extremely exaggerated ability to negotiate steep and/or rough surfaces. The car selectably operates: (1) as a conventional electrically powered toy, at at least one speed, on a flat surface; (2) as an electrically powered "climbing toy" with particularly advantageous weight distribution, at at least one reduced speed with greater torque, on a steep and/or irregular surface; or (3) as an unpowered free-rolling toy vehicle. Major weight components, particularly the battery and motor, are in a symmetrical, compact, balanced and relatively low arrangement--at about the same height as the tread drivers. Together with a speed-reduction mechanism they fill the toy's housing.

Abstract: This toy car has a selector on its sides for use, without picking the vehicle up, in selecting operation:(1) as a conventional electrically powered toy vehicle, at at least one speed, on a flat surface;(2) as an electrically powered climbing toy with particularly advantageous weight distribution, at at least one reduced speed with greater torque, on a steep and/or irregular surface; or(3) as an unpowered free-rolling toy vehicle.For climbing operation the car's battery, motor, etc. are in a symmetrical, compact, balanced, low geometry--about level with the wheels. With speed-reduction and selector parts they fill the toy's housing. The reduction mechanism has front-and-rear duplicate gearing: at each end, two worms that are both powered from the motor but through different reductions, and a worm gear shiftable between engagement with either worm by sliding on a square axle. Wheels are mounted to and driven by the axle ends.

Abstract: A toy motor car comprises a body having a bottom cover secured thereto by means of screws and a frame on which the body is pivotally mounted. Back wheels of the car are rotatably mounted to the frame and are adapted to be driven in rotation by a battery powered motor housed in a gear box mounted on the frame. The motor also effects rotation of a pinion and an eccentric cam. A clutch is provided in the gear box for changing the direction of rotation of the back wheels at predetermined intervals and, when the car is travelling in a first direction, the cam engages a cam follower which is pivotal with respect to the frame to effect rocking of the body relative to the frame. When the direction of rotation of the back wheels changes, the cam is disengaged from the cam follower and the pinion engages a rack of a lever thereby turning front wheels of the car.