Abstract: An improved toy system is disclosed herein. In one aspect, the toy system includes a toy vehicle that can be uniquely identified. The toy vehicle includes a wireless tag that contains identifying information that is unique to the toy vehicle. In another aspect, the system includes a toy vehicle reader that can identify a toy vehicle that is proximate to the reader. The toy vehicle reader can wirelessly communicate with the tag, and in particular with a chip on the tag, on the proximate toy vehicle. In one embodiment, the toy vehicle reader utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to read the tags on vehicles.

Abstract: A system for in situ charging of at least one rechargeable power source of a remote vehicle. The system comprises a power recharger having contacts configured to supply power to the at least one rechargeable power source, and a chassis adapter at least partially enclosing the at least one rechargeable power source and retaining the at least one rechargeable power source on the remote vehicle, the chassis adapter including terminals connected to the at least one rechargeable power source and configured to mate with the power recharger to allow the power recharger to recharge the at least one rechargeable power source. The chassis adapter comprises charger input contacts including a positive contact, a ground, and one or more data contacts. The power recharger automatically disengages from the recharging terminals when the remote vehicle is driven away from the chassis adapter without damaging the power recharger.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a toy, the toy having: a main body portion; a first leg pivotally secured to the main body portion for reciprocating movement between a forward position and a rearward position with respect to the main body portion; a first foot pivotally secured to the first leg; a second leg pivotally secured to the main body portion for reciprocating movement between a forward position and a rearward position with respect to the main body portion; and a second foot pivotally secured to the second leg, wherein the first foot is spring biased with respect to the first leg and the second foot is spring biased with respect to the second leg such that a center of mass of the toy is intermittently aligned with and supported solely by either the first foot or the second foot as the first leg and the second leg move between the forward position and the rearward position.

Abstract: A toy vehicle reconfigurable between unfolded and folded configurations includes a generally body pivotally supporting a pair of generally planar driving systems on either lateral side. Each driving system includes a motor and gear train driving a continuous track passed over multiple pulley wheels. One pulley wheel of each driving system is carried on an arm mounted to a frame of the system so as to pivot between retracted and extended positions and spring loaded to the extended position. The tracks are sufficiently elastic to accommodate the movement of the one wheel from the extended position to a retracted position. The arms are pushed into the retracted position when the vehicle is pushed into a combined remote control unit and storage case.

Abstract: A toy vehicle reconfigurable between unfolded and folded configurations includes a generally body pivotally supporting a pair of generally planar driving systems on either lateral side. Each driving system includes a motor and gear train driving a continuous track passed over multiple pulley wheels. One pulley wheel of each driving system is carried on an arm mounted to a frame of the system so as to pivot between retracted and extended positions and spring loaded to the extended position. The tracks are sufficiently elastic to accommodate the movement of the one wheel from the extended position to a retracted position. The arms are pushed into the retracted position when the vehicle is pushed into a combined remote control unit and storage case.

Abstract: A vehicle reconfigurable between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration includes a body having opposing upper and lower parts extending between lateral sides and ends of the body. A first wheel and a second wheel are each operatively mounted to the body to at least partially support the body for movement. A first suspension assembly and a second suspension assembly pivotally connect each wheel to the body and a linkage assembly connects the body to each wheel. The linkage assembly is adapted to pivot each wheel with respect to the body. A linear compression bias member is mounted between the upper and lower parts of the body to bias the upper part of the body away from the lower part of the body. The vehicle transforms from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration by compression of the upper part and lower part together to actuate the linkage and compress the linear compression bias member.

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: 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 remote-control toy is provided that includes: a controller that transmits a control signal containing an operating instruction based on an operation instruction by a user; a driving device that is driven and controlled based on the control signal; and an extension unit that is capable of receiving the control signal. The extension unit includes: a unit main body and a signal processing device that can be detachably connected to the unit main body. In the unit main body, the received control signal is output to the signal processing device, and processing according to an instruction signal output from the signal processing device is performed. In the signal processing device, the contents of the operating instruction contained in the control signal that is output from the unit main body are discriminated, and an instruction signal based on the operation corresponding to the contents is output to the unit main body.

Abstract: A toy vehicle trackset utilizes a pair of closed track loops each having a lower end and a raised end. The raised ends of the loops are supported by a raised support having a spring-loaded dinosaur launcher within which a flying dinosaur is supported. A target is coupled to the launcher and positioned in alignment with a pair of launch ramps extending from each of the pathways through a center lap counter which is shaped to simulate a volcano. Within the lap counter, a diverter is supported to switch a moving toy vehicle from its normal loop path to the target directed ramp once the toy vehicle has completed a predetermined number of laps upon the loop by one player. A dual loop hand-operated toy vehicle booster is supported at the lower end return path of each of the loops. The child user is able to crank a hand crank to initiate a manual boost of a toy vehicle. Proper timing of the hand crank is essential to impart maximum boost to a toy vehicle and impart rapid vehicle movement.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism of a model vehicle capable of mechanically performing accurate straight running and turning control without relying upon the output characteristic of each drive system in an RC tank having two drive systems. The power transmission mechanism comprises a motor (10) for traveling providing a drive force for traveling, a motor (30) for turning providing a drive force for turning, a left side differential gear (40) and a right side differential gear (50) to which the rotations of the motor (10) for traveling and the motor (30) for turning are transmitted, and a center differential gear (80) to which the rotation of the motor (30) for turning is transmitted. The turning is performed by using the left side differential gear (40), the right side differential gear (50), and the center differential gear (80).

Abstract: A toy train is provided having a folding body with body segments joined by a hinge, adapted to engage a base having wheels. The folding body may be disassembled for storage in a generally flattened arrangement. A novel drive assembly for a toy train or toy train accessory is provided having a motor and a gear, which can be removably inserted in the base and covered by the folding body. A storage kit is provided including a storage case for storing a folding body of a toy train, a base for a toy train, and a drive assembly for a toy train. A toy train set is provided including tiles with raised train tracks. The tiles are joined by dovetail joints. Themed tiles are provided for creating a multi-themed play environment.

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 dynamic current collector system for a set of toy vehicles disposed on a track. The system includes electroconductive tracks which can be connected to a power supply unit and which are disposed along inner sides of a guide groove. The system also includes current collector elements which are electrically connected to a motor of the vehicle and which are positioned on outer lateral faces of a guide follower flange disposed at a lower front part of the vehicle. The electroconductive tracks are concealed inside the groove. When the vehicle moves along the track with the flange inserted in the guide groove, a dynamic electrical contact is established between the tracks and the current collector elements to supply current to a motor that powers the vehicle.

Abstract: Toy vehicle sets may include a toy vehicle with an RFID transponder operable to produce an identification signal to identify the toy vehicle and an RFID reader configured to generate an electromagnetic field, detect an identification signal produced by an RFID transponder, and produce data representative of the identified toy vehicle. In some embodiments, the toy vehicle includes circuitry adapted to convert electromagnetic energy into power to operate the RFID transponder. In some embodiments, the toy vehicle includes a metal chassis with an aperture configured to support the RFID transponder and a transverse slot cut from an outer edge of the chassis to the aperture.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel assembly is provided and includes two pairs of oppositely disposed rim sections. The wheel assembly is normally biased in a circular configuration by a resilient tire disposed over the rim sections. A device for movably mounting the rim sections is employed to move the rims from their circular configuration to an oval configuration. When positioned in the oval configuration the wheel assembly applies maintaining and releasing device to prevent and permit movement of the rim sections between the circular and oval position.

Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a chassis having a front end, a rear end and first and second lateral sides extending between the ends. Two wheel trains are disposed on separate lateral sides of the chassis. Each train includes first, second, third and fourth wheels, a first pair of the wheels being mounted on separate axles fixed with respect to the chassis and a second pair of the wheels being mounted on separate axles movable along the first lateral side of the chassis. A separate continuous track extends about each wheel train so that the track engages over at least the first wheel and another other wheel. A separate linkage connects each second pair of wheels with the chassis and is configured to displace the second pair of wheels between a first wheel arrangement in which the wheels of the train are generally disposed in a single row, and a second wheel arrangement in which the wheels of the train are generally disposed in two rows and all the wheels engage the track.

Abstract: A remote controlled, all-terrain toy vehicle has treads on both its left and right sides. Each tread extends over front and rear oversized, resilient wheels that allow the vehicle to travel on its top and bottom sides in forward and reverse. The vehicle is adapted for high performance on hard, flat surfaces, such as pavement, as a result of an elevated ridge on the tread that ensures low surface area contact with the ground and, which in turn, reduces ground resistance and increases the operating speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a chassis having a front end, a rear end and first and second lateral sides extending between the ends. Two wheel trains are disposed on separate lateral sides of the chassis. Each train includes first, second, third and fourth wheels, a first pair of the wheels being mounted on separate axles fixed with respect to the chassis and a second pair of the wheels being mounted on separate axles movable along the first lateral side of the chassis. A separate continuous track extends about each wheel train so that the track engages over at least the first wheel and another other wheel. A separate linkage connects each second pair of wheels with the chassis and is configured to displace the second pair of wheels between a first wheel arrangement in which the wheels of the train are generally disposed in a single row, and a second wheel arrangement in which the wheels of the train are generally disposed in two rows and all the wheels engage the track.

Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle that mechanically activates an action accessory. The vehicle contains a remotely controlled plunger that engages a trigger of the action accessory. Engaging the trigger activates a mechanism within the action accessory. Activation of the mechanism induces a mechanical action such as ejecting a projectile or loading items onto the vehicle. The plunger and vehicle are remotely controlled by a transmitter which emits command signals to a receiver located within the vehicle. In operation, the end user skillfully manipulates the vehicle over the trigger and then transmits a command to extend the plunger and activate the mechanism of the action accessory.

Abstract: A vehicle toy has two lateral sides, front and rear ends, an outer perimeter extending around the front and rear ends between the lateral sides, and three pairs of wheels, each pair having a common rotational axis. The wheels of each wheel pair are opposed to one another on the lateral sides. The wheels on each lateral side of the vehicle are arranged in a polygon at the outer perimeter, extending around the front and rear ends between the lateral sides such that adjoining pairs of the wheels define planes which are mutually transverse to one another and which entirely circumscribe the outer perimeter of the vehicle. Two wheel pairs are located proximal the rear end, with one of the two wheel pairs being oriented above the other, and the third wheel pair is located proximal the front end, so that the transverse planes form a triangle. The vehicle is driven by twin electric motors which are radio controlled for remote, independent and separate operation.

Abstract: An improved radio-controlled track-driven vehicle comprises an innovative belt drive structure in which the rear wheels engage with the belt in positive drive, and the front wheels engage with the belt in frictional drive. According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive belt has taller central teeth that are received within a central groove of the front and rear wheels, and shorter lateral teeth that mesh with complementary toothed regions of the rear wheels and frictionally contact corresponding smooth cylindrical surfaces of the front driven wheels. In another embodiment of the invention, the belt teeth extend transversely across most of the width of the belt, with alternate teeth having disposed thereon a taller central tooth to be received within the wheel grooves.

Abstract: A track set as set forth for use with a toy train or the like includes a pair of mirror image C-shaped track portions coupled to a circular base. A circular platform is rotatably supported upon the base and includes a plurality of track segments supported thereon. The track segments include orthogonally intersecting straight track portions as well as offset arcuate curved portions symmetrically arranged upon the platform. The base further defines an upwardly extending annular rim which defines a plurality of notches equally spaced thereupon. A platform lock includes a pivotable handle receivable within the notches to securely position the platform at a selected rotational position and thereby align selected track segments of the platform with the C-shaped track portions. The travel path of the track set may be configured to provide a figure-eight, a peanut-shape, and a pair of separate distinct circular travel paths.

Abstract: A toy activated air movement including a loop of a self-supporting flexible sheet-like material. The loop has an interior surface and an exterior surface and a major axis perpendicular to the direction of travel. The loop is formed of a material which at least partially deforms under its own weight and has sufficient rigidity such that a portion of the interior surface of the loop will not contact an opposite portion of the interior surface of the loop when the toy is placed upon a supporting surface. The toy travels along the supporting surface in response to air movement. A plurality of flaps extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the loop generally in a direction parallel to the major axis of the loop. The flaps are angled away from the exterior surface of the loop, whereby air impacting upon the flaps will cause the toy to roll about the major axis along the supporting surface.

Abstract: A drive unit of a vehicle toy realizes a high-speed performance and a large-torque performance, is excellent in operability and provides improved battery life. In the drive unit, there is provided a motor gear driven by a radio-controlled motor, first and second drive gears for independently driving left-hand and right-hand wheels, first and second intermediate gears for causing the first and second drive gears to rotate at a lower speed, and an idler gear meshing with one of the intermediate gears to cause the first and second drive gears to rotate in opposite directions. A travelling gear assembly is rotatably driven by the motor gear to travel along a path between a forward position for forward vehicle toy drive and a turn position for vehicle toy turning, the travelling gear assembly directly driving the first and second drive gears in the forward position and driving the same gears through the first and second intermediate gears and the idler gear in the turn position.

Abstract: A vehicle toy has the same roadability as that of a conventional toy provided with caterpillars, is controllable with the same control feel as that of a conventional four-wheeled toy, has reduced travelling load, and may travel at high speed. A body is supported by a chassis portion with front steerable wheels provided at the left and right of a front end of the chassis portion. Caterpillar front and rear wheels are both provided on the left and right of a central and a rear portion of the chassis portion with left and right caterpillars therearound. A drive unit drives the caterpillar rear wheels, and a power steering mechanism is disposed at the chassis front end. The forward extent of the caterpillars may be raised above the ground when the vehicle toy travels on a flat surface. The vehicle toy is battery powered and radio controlled.

Abstract: A vehicle toy has front wheels and larger rear wheels provided on each of the left and right sides of a two-piece, articulately coupled chassis. Caterpillars are engaged over the front and rear wheels on each side. Twin electric motors separately drive the left and right side caterpillars through separate reduction gear transmissions and the rear wheels. The twin motors are radio controlled for separate and independent operation. Two rings of teeth on each rear wheel mesh with two rows of teeth on the inner side of each caterpillar to provide a cog drive while a higher central row of teeth on the inner side of each caterpillar is received in circumferential grooves in each of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: An educational device for teaching humanistic values to a child is in the form of a toy manufactured with at least one recognizable abused condition or defect. The toy is packaged and marketed with repair apparatus enabling a child to permanently substantially eliminate the abused condition and effective upon completion of the repair to leave permanent visual reminder of the original abused condition.

Abstract: A radio-controlled spherical toy is designed as a hollow, preferably transparent sphere containing a radio-controlled vehicle supported on two drive bands having a track contact between points the maximum distance between which is less than 80% of the inner diameter of the sphere.

Abstract: A remote controlled toy vehicle carrying a self-contained bridge. When the toy vehicle approaches a road hazard, for example, a water hazard, the vehicle is stopped and the bridge, carried by the toy vehicle, is caused to be flipped over the vehicle from its vehicle trailing position, the position for transporting vehicle and bridge, to a position in front of the toy vehicle, the position for use of the bridge by the vehicle. Then, the toy vehicle is allowed to cross the bridge and the road hazard. The movement of the toy vehicle up and over the bridge causes the bridge to automatically return to its vehicle trailing position and the vehicle and bridge are again able to be moved about, as desired. In the preferred embodiment, the self-contained bridge is attached to the toy vehicle by a pair of telescopic support tubes. A remote controlled motor causes the support tubes, pivotably supporting the bridge, to flip over the vehicle, as desired.

Abstract: A toy automobile and a toy filling station forming a set. The automobile has a self contained power plant, including a battery and a motor. To drive the automobile, water is introduced into a container in the automobile, simulating gasoline fuel, which causes an expandable member to expand which closes a switch to energize the motor. The automobile also includes a quantity of black powder that the water mixes with and produces a black liquid that simulates lubricating oil. The filling station includes a tank of water for introducing into the automobile. The filling station also includes an air pump for pressuring the water in the tank. The air pump also serves as a standard for simulating an advertising display.

Abstract: A transformable toy vehicle capable of being converted into a toy robot is provided. The converted toy robot gives no impression of the original outer appearance of the toy vehicle, because of the folding operation of the front and rear compartments. The transformable toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis, pivotal members, and wheel support members. The body includes front, middle, and rear compartments. The chassis supports the front and rear compartments and mounts thereupon the vehicle wheels. The front and rear compartments can be rotated about the pivotal member relative to each other to form a trunk body of the toy robot, and the middle compartment is mounted upon the pivotal member to form a head portion of the toy robot.

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: A wall climbing toy has a drive mechanism comprising a driven endless belt and a plurality of suction disks mounted on the belt. A plurality of wires interconnect the belt with the disks to (1) pull the latter from the surface, and (2) bend the disks toward a surface-confronting condition as the disks approach the surface.

Abstract: A motorized track laying vehicle is operable for forward, reverse and turning movement by manipulation of a turret on the vehicle. The turret is movable between forward, intermediate and rearward positions on the vehicle to correspondingly control the vehicle for forward, stopped and reverse modes. The vehicle is steered by rotating the turret in a desired direction to thereby disengage an appropriate track laying assembly.