DE29811911U1 - Toy vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toy vehicle and in particular to a remote-controlled toy vehicle with unusual handling options.

Toy vehicles are well known. Remote-controlled, especially radio-controlled vehicles, have become a considerable

^ Specialty toy market has developed. Manufacturers in this market attempt to copy well-known vehicles as well as the latest automotive developments, including specialty vehicles such as four-wheel drive vehicles, racing cars and military vehicles. In addition, manufacturers are constantly looking for new ways and features to incorporate novel functions into such toys to make such vehicles more versatile and/or more fun.

Toy vehicles powered by electric motors are capable of operating at high speeds. When performing maneuvers or tight turns at high speed, such vehicles have a tendency to roll over or fall over and often end up flipped over or on their side, causing the vehicle wheels

are no longer in contact with the surface and therefore the vehicle cannot be operated. It would therefore be advantageous to create a vehicle that always lands on the correct side with the wheels in contact with the surface. --,
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Such toy vehicles are also known to perform tricks such as the "wheelie" in which the front end of the vehicle is raised off the ground and the vehicle travels on its rear wheel(s) only. It would be desirable to provide a toy vehicle capable of easily performing a wheelie or other tricks such as a quick spin while stationary, whereby the vehicle rotates while stationary (or substantially stationary), such as on one wheel, at high speed generally about a vertical axis extending through the vehicle so that it is capable of traveling with its front wheel(s) raised off the ground to increase the play value of the toy vehicle.

Background of the invention

In one aspect, the invention is a remote controlled toy vehicle, drivable on a rollable surface and comprising: a chassis having a front end, a rear end and two opposite lateral sides; a body connected to the chassis; at least one rear wheel mounted near the rear chassis end for rotation relative to the chassis; a front axle mounted near the chassis front end, the front axle having at least one front wheel mounted for rotation thereabout relative to the chassis; and a motor drivingly connected to the at least one rear wheel; the vehicle characterized by a curved roll bar extending from the opposite lateral sides of the chassis along the opposite lateral sides and over the top of the chassis and body spaced from the body along the

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top and sides of the structure.

In another aspect, the invention is a toy vehicle for operation on a rolling surface and comprising: a chassis having a front end, a rear end and two opposite lateral sides; a pair of rear wheels mounted proximate the rear chassis end, the rear wheels being mounted on the opposite lateral sides of the chassis for rotation relative to the chassis; at least one motor drivingly connected to at least one

* rear wheel of the rear wheel pair; and a front axle mounted near the chassis front end, the front axle having at least one front wheel mounted for rotation thereabout relative to the chassis; characterized in that the front axle is the only front axle of the vehicle and is located generally in the middle of the front end between the opposite lateral sides, the front axle having two opposite ends, a first free end and a second end connected to a component of the vehicle by a pivot pin for pivotal movements of the front axle relative to the chassis.

fc Short description of the drawings

5 The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentalities shown. The drawings, which are schematic, illustrate:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the toy vehicle according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the toy vehicle of Fig. 1; 5

Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the toy vehicle of Figs. 1 and 2 with a roll bar broken away;

Fig. 4 is a top view of the toy vehicle of Fig. 1-3; 10

* Fig. 5 is a partial plan view of a front portion of the

Toy vehicle from Fig. 1-4;

Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing a control unit of the toy vehicle of Fig. 1-4

illustrated; and

Fig. 7 is a partial bottom view of the toy vehicle of Fig.

1-4 in a wheelie/spinning position.
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Detailed description of preferred designs

fe Throughout the drawings, like numerals are used to refer to like elements. Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience and are not limiting. The words "right," "left," "lower," "upper," "upper," "bottom," "horizontal," "vertical," "front," and "rear" refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terms "inward" and "outward" refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of the toy vehicle or designated portions thereof, respectively. The terms include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

Referring to the drawings in detail, a preferred toy vehicle having the ability to roll over and land on its wheels and also perform a spinning wheelie on a rollable surface "S" is generally designated as 10 in Figures 1-4. The vehicle 10 preferably includes a chassis 12 having a front end 14, a rear end 16 and two opposing lateral sides 18, 20. The chassis 12 may be equipped with automotive details such as a frame, suspension, engine and/or drive details. The detailing may be three-dimensional (functional or non-functional).

* functional) or merely surface decoration to mimic such functional elements. For example, the chassis 12 may be molded with such details as a series of intake manifolds, an external fluid cooler (oil, transmission, or both), front and rear shock absorbers, etc.

The vehicle 10 preferably also includes a body, generally designated 22, which is mounted on the chassis 12. The body 22 is preferably formed with opposed lateral sides and a roof to substantially cover and conceal from view at least a portion of the lateral sides 18, 20 and a top portion of the chassis 12. The body

h 22 may include some non-functional surface details (not shown) such as the shape of a driver, suspension elements, a turbine, an exhaust system, an engine and/or drive details. The chassis 12 and the vehicle body 22 are made of, for example, plastic or any other suitable material such as wood or metal.

0 The illustrated vehicle 10 has a streamlined, automotive style with the front end 14 that appears sharp or somewhat pointed in plan and side elevation and a height that gradually increases toward the rear end 16. Although the vehicle 10 is shown with a generally square shape and aerodynamic 5 finish, the vehicle 10 could also be in the shape

other aerodynamic styles or conventional passenger vehicles, trucks, and other vehicle models. The vehicle 10 may also be equipped with lights (not shown) that are illuminated during vehicle operation.

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5 Although the presently preferred embodiment of the vehicle 10 includes a chassis 12 and a body 22, it is within the scope of the invention that the toy vehicle be manufactured without a body portion, or with a chassis incorporated into the body, or with a body and chassis formed together by laterally opposed shells.

The presently preferred embodiment of the vehicle 10 has two rear wheels 24, 26. The rear wheels 24, 26 are mounted on a rear axle 30 near the rear end 16 of the chassis 12 in opposed relationship on the opposite lateral sides 18, 20 of the chassis 12 for rotation relative to the chassis 12. Although the presently preferred embodiment of the vehicle 10 has two rear wheels 24, 26, a vehicle could be designed with a single rear wheel or with more than one pair of rear wheels and still be within the scope of the invention.

The vehicle 10 also has at least one front wheel 28, which

H is mounted on a front axle 34 near the front end 14 of the chassis 12 for rotation relative to the chassis 12. The front wheel 28 is mounted so that the outermost portion thereof projects beyond or is spaced from the front end 14 of the chassis 12. However, the chassis 12 (or body 22) could be extended (or the front wheel recessed) to protect the front wheel 28. In the presently preferred embodiment, the front wheel 28 has a diameter which is less than a diameter of the rear wheels 24, 26 to provide the vehicle 10 with the aerodynamic shape already mentioned. In addition, it is also preferred that the front wheel 28 and the front axle 34 be the only front axle and wheel and be centered at the front end 14 on a longitudinal centerline of the

Vehicle 10 is arranged as line A-A in Fig. 1 between the opposite lateral sides 18, 20. The front and rear wheels 28, 24, 26 may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, wood or metal or other suitable materials generally used for tires. Preferably, the front and rear wheels 28, 24, 26 are made of rubber. The wheels may also be equipped with studs (not shown) to increase traction when the vehicle 10 is operated outside of a hard, smooth surface.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that although the invention is described herein in terms of the preferred three-wheeled embodiment, aspects of the present invention could also be embodied in a two-wheeled vehicle (i.e., a motorcycle) or a four-wheeled vehicle such as a conventional car or truck, or with more than four wheels. Therefore, the present invention is described in terms of a three-wheeled vehicle only for convenience and is not limited to a three-wheeled vehicle.

The vehicle 10 is driven by at least one, and preferably only one, reversible electric motor, generally indicated as 36 (in phantom in Fig. 3), which is drivingly connected to at least one, and preferably both, of the rear wheels 24, 26 for driving the rear wheels 24, 26. Since the electric motor 36 is reversible, the rear wheels 24, 26 can be driven in either the forward or reverse direction. The drive motor 36 is preferably mounted on the vehicle chassis 12 within the vehicle body 22 and located near the rear end 16 of the vehicle 10. The two rear wheels could also be driven together by paired motors or separately by separate motors.

Now referring to Fig. 6, the drive motor 36 is drivingly connected to the rear wheels 24, 26 by means of a transmission 39,

which is connected between the rear wheels 24, 26 by means of the rear axle 30 in a conventional manner. That is, the rear wheels 24, 26 are mounted on the axle 30 with a final gear (not shown) of the transmission 39. The final gear can be driven by one or more reduction gears (not shown) and at different top speeds through different transmission gears by means of a selector switch 39a. Preferably, the motor 36 is mounted closer to the rear end 16 of one of the lateral sides 18, 20 of the vehicle 10 in order to transfer the weight of the vehicle 10 to the rear end

w and to a lateral side to enhance the ability of the vehicle 10 to perform a turn when in the wheelie position, as discussed in more detail below.

The drive motor 36 is electrically connected to a control device 40 which is connected to a radio transmitter 42 such as a radio frequency receiving circuit which in turn is connected to an antenna 44 for receiving and processing control signals transmitted from a source remote from the vehicle 10 such as a remote control device 46. The remote control device 46 preferably includes a rocker arm or slide control element 50 for generating signals which control the operation

j) of the drive motor 3 6. For example, the vehicle 10

moving the lever 50 in a first direction moves the vehicle 10 in a first forward direction, and moving the lever 50 in a second opposite direction moves the vehicle 10 in a second opposite direction, as will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. As will also be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the amount of lateral movement of the rocker arm 50 can variably control the vehicle speed.

For example, extreme forward or rearward movement of the rocker arm 50 commands the vehicle 10 to travel in that direction at maximum speed, while movement of the rocker arm 50 only half as far causes the vehicle 10 to travel only half as fast.

The controller 40 and radio receiver 42 are preferably built on a printed circuit board or "PCB" (not shown) which is located inside the vehicle 10 between the chassis 12 and the body 22. Preferably, the PCB is mounted near the center of the chassis 12. The controller 40, radio receiver 42, remote control unit 46 and drive motor 36 are based entirely on conventional technology from well-known existing radio controlled vehicle designs as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,135,427, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such controllers can be purchased directly from manufacturers such as

&kgr; Taiyo Kogyo of Tokyo, Japan, and other or U.S. distributors of radio controlled vehicle products and/or parts. Since the vehicle 10 of the present invention uses the same or similar control circuitry as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,135,427, these elements are not further described herein.

Although the presently preferred embodiment of the toy vehicle 10 is remotely controlled by radio signals, it should be understood that other types of remotely controlled toy vehicles (both wire and other types of wireless control) as well as toy vehicles that are not controlled are also within the scope of

h of the invention. Moreover, although the propulsion of the vehicle 10 is entirely conventional, such as that of any number of arrangements previously used in radio controlled electric toy vehicles, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, other means could be used, such as wind-up or spring motor means, hydraulic, pneumatic or other inertial and electromagnetic power machines could be substituted for the electric drive motor 36.

The vehicle 10 preferably has a center of gravity that is relatively high in the connected chassis/body 12/22 and located towards the rear end 16 of the vehicle 10 in order to enable the performance of certain tricks such as wheelies and rollovers. In order to

To provide vehicle 10 with such a high center of gravity, vehicle 10 includes a removably mounted weight over rear wheels 24, 26. The weight preferably includes a removable power source 32 to provide power for the vehicle's electric motor 36, the circuitry for controller 40 and radio receiver 42, and any other electrical components that may be available. Power source 32 is preferably enclosed within body 22. Preferably, power source 32 includes a removable rechargeable battery pack, such as a 6.0 volt Ni-Cd rechargeable battery pack (not shown), or a housing 32a containing a plurality of individual batteries 32b (e.g., 4 AA batteries) as shown in Fig. 4, which are removable from housing 32a. The preferred power source 32 is substantially rectangular in shape and slideably fits into a battery receiving tray 54 which is also substantially rectangular in shape so that the battery pack is received and held therein. The power source 32 is releasably secured to the receiving tray 54 by a coupling in the form of a dome or locking clip 56. The locking clip 56 is fixedly attached to and extends upwardly from the inside of the receiving tray 54. The locking clip 56 is spring loaded and self-biased so that the clip engages the power source 32 in

) engagement when it is fully received within the receiving shell 54.

With particular reference to Figs. 2 and 4, the power source 32 is inserted into the receiving tray 54 from the rear end 16 of the vehicle 10 through an opening in the rear end 16 of the vehicle 10 and the receiving tray 54. The locking clip 56 is biased or moved downward as the power source 32 is inserted into the receiving tray 54. When the power source 32 is received in the receiving tray 54, the locking clip 56 springs upward to its normal position so that the power source is securely held in the receiving tray 54. Both the power source 32 and the receiving tray 54 may also be

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complementary mandrels (not numbered) along their respective sides to further secure the energy source 32 in the receiving shell 54.

When the energy source 32 is received in the receiving tray 54, the electrical contacts (not shown) of the energy source 32 are electrically connected to complementary electrical contacts in the form of springs 56a on the receiving tray 54, which in turn are electrically connected to the control device 40 and the radio receiver 42 and through the control device 40 to the motor 36,

m so that the energy source 32 supplies electrical current to the motor 36.

As best shown in Fig. 2, the receiving tray 54, including the power source housed therein, is mounted on the chassis 12 over the rear axle 30 and the rear wheels 24, 26 such that the center of gravity of the vehicle 10 is relatively high within the chassis/body junction 12/22 and toward the rear end 16 of the vehicle 10 at or near the point 56 to provide the ability of the vehicle to roll laterally or sideways as well as perform a wheelie. The removable power source 32 preferably constitutes a significant portion of the overall weight of the vehicle, for example approximately fifteen percent or more of the overall vehicle weight.

To further increase the play value of the vehicle, the vehicle 10 includes a roll cage with a curved, preferably generally circular roll bar 60 extending from the opposite lateral sides of the chassis 12 along the opposite lateral sides 18, 20 and over the roof 0 of the vehicle 10 near a central position along the chassis 12. The roll bar 60 allows the vehicle 10, when rolling sideways (sideways), to roll completely over and land right side up on the vehicle wheels 24, 26, 28, which contact the rolling surface S on which the vehicle rests. Preferably, the roll bar 60 defines the lateral

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sides 18, 20 and the top of the chassis 12 and body 22 and is spaced from the body 22. As shown, the roll bar 60 extends around the chassis 12 and body 22 in an arc of at least 180 degrees, preferably more than 180 degrees as shown.

The roll bar 60 preferably comprises a piece of spring steel which is generally circular in shape. Generally circular is intended to include continuously curved shapes which are not exactly circular, including, but not limited to,

^ generally elliptical and other, even less precise variations of precise circular shape. The roll bar 60 is received in the holes 62 located on each of the lateral sides 18, 20 of the chassis 12. The structure 22 preferably includes a support rod 64 extending from a rear portion of the structure 22 to a point above the structure 22. The roll bar 60 passes through a hole in the support rod 64. The support rod 64 prevents the roll bar 60 from rotating towards the front end 14 or rear end 16 of the vehicle 10.

To further ensure that the vehicle 10, when rolling sideways, performs a complete roll and on its wheels 24, 26, 28

&lgr; lands in contact with the rolling surface S, particularly when turning on its rear end, the roll cage of the vehicle 10 preferably includes a second roll bar 66 extending from the lateral sides 18, 20 of the vehicle 10 and around the rear end 16 of the chassis 12 and body 22 of the vehicle 10, preferably at a height above the roof of the body 22 for the vehicle 10 shown. The second roll bar 66, like the first roll bar 60, is received in holes 68 on the lateral sides 18, 20 of the chassis 12 near a central location along the chassis 12 and is supported by the support bar 64 at an end of the support bar 64 opposite the point at which the first roll bar 60 is supported by the support bar 64. The first and second roll bars 60, 66 each define the sides

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18, 20 and the roof of the chassis 12 and body 22 of the vehicle 10 and is spaced from the sides 18, 20 and roof of the body 22. The support bar 64 may be made of any rigid material of suitable strength to hold the first and second roll bars 60, .66 above the vehicle 10 while the vehicle is rolling and to prevent rotational movement of the first and second roll bars 60, 66. In the presently preferred embodiment, the support bar 64 is made of a rigid polymeric material. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the roll cage could be constructed differently, such as by a variety of structures including exhaust pipes, spoilers, canopies, wings, etc. The support bar 64 and/or the first and second roll bars 60, 66 may include surface decoration or markings as desired.

Referring now to Fig. 5, the front axle of the vehicle 10 is rotatable. In the presently preferred embodiment, the front axle 34 has a first free end 70 and a second end 72 coupled to the steering mechanism so that at least one front wheel 28 is steerable. More particularly, the second end 72 of the front axle 34 is connected to the chassis 12 by a pivot 74 for pivotal movement of the front axle 34 with respect to the chassis 12. The pivot 74 is connected by a pin, shaft, rod

fc or the like is provided which extends through the second end 72 of axle 34, preferably of chassis 12. A steering arm 76 is also connected to the front axle 34 between the front wheel 28 and the second end 72. The steering arm 76 is capable of moving the front axle 34 about the pivot 74, which moves the front wheel 28 about the pivot 74, thereby steering the vehicle 10. Although it is preferred that the front axle 34 have a free end (70), the free end 70 could be received in a guide such as a groove or connected to a guide or additional actuator or steering arm, all allowing or providing rotation of the axle 34 about the pivot 74.

Now referring to Fig. 6, the steering arm 76 is provided with an electrical

Steering device 38 is connected. The steering device 38, like the drive motor 36, is connected to the control device 40, which receives command signals transmitted from the remote control device 46 and received by the radio receiver 42. The remote control device 46 includes a rocker switch or slider 48 or other means for controlling the steering device 38 and therefore for moving the steering arm 76 and the front wheel 28. The steering device 38 and coupling with the control device 40 are conventional and known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The device 38 is preferably a solenoid comprising a fixed magnet and a rotatable coil.

^ with a centering spring. Power supply to the coil in any direction

causes the spool to rotate a portion of a revolution in either one or the other of two opposite directions from a central or neutral angular position of the spool which corresponds to a straight-ahead position of the front wheel 28 with the front axle 34 perpendicular to the centerline A-A of the vehicle 10 and which is determined by the position of the centering spring. Also, the remote control device 46 can generate a control signal which is transmitted to the receiver 42 over a dedicated channel or frequency band, which signal is then used by the controller 40 to actuate the mechanism 38 and initiate movement of the steering arm 76, thereby steering the vehicle 10 as desired.

To enable the vehicle 10 to spin or rotate rapidly about a vertical axis during a wheelie position with the front end 14 and front wheel 28 lifted off the rolling surface S supporting the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 further includes a cam member 80 disposed between the rear wheels 24, 26 in a first position so as to extend to a point beyond or over the rear wheels 24, 26 (see Fig. 2) at the rear end 16 of the vehicle 10. The cam member 80 is disposed closer to one of the pair of rear wheels 24, 26 so that when the vehicle 10 is in a wheelie position (Fig. 7), the cam member 80 engages the rolling surface S.

S and thereby lifts the nearer wheel 26 of the rear wheel pair off the rolling surface S. Then, as the other continues to rotate, the rolling surface contacting wheel 24 causes the vehicle 10 to rotate generally about the cam member 80. The cam member 80 may comprise any rigid material capable of supporting the vehicle 10 and also capable of contacting the rolling surface S without deformation when the vehicle 10 performs a wheelie. In the presently preferred embodiment, the cam member 80 is a one-piece projection extending from the rear end 16 of the chassis

^ 12. The cam member 80 is preferably located near the inboard side of one of the rear wheels, the left rear wheel 26 in the embodiment shown, so that movement of the right rear wheel 24 causes the vehicle 10 to rotate generally about the cam member 80 when the vehicle is in the wheelie position generally perpendicular on its rear end.

Although in the presently preferred embodiment cam member 80 is fixed, cam member 80 could be movable between a first rolling surface contact position indicated by cam member 80 in Fig. 2 and a second retracted position within vehicle 10, for example as indicated in phantom as 80' in Fig. 2, where line S' (also phantom) is tangent to rear wheels 24, 26 and support bar 64 and represents a rolling surface that would be contacted by the rear end of vehicle 10 during a wheelie in the absence of cam member 80. Making cam member 80 movable allows vehicle 10 to be driven in the wheelie position as opposed to turning at rest when in contact with rolling surface S with cam member 80 in the wheelie position. The cam member could be connected to a lever arm and a solenoid or a release means for moving the cam member 80 to a position that allows the vehicle to perform a rotation. For example, a dedicated channel or frequency band can be used to receive a control signal from the remote control device 46 of the

To provide control device 40 to move the cam member 80 between a first position and a second retracted position as desired.

While the essential features of the invention have been disclosed and described above with reference to a preferred embodiment, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention may take any of a wide variety of arrangements. The foregoing disclosure is to be understood as illustrative and not limiting. For example, the toy vehicle, although

1-4 has two large rear wheels and a single smaller front wheel, two rear wheels and two front wheels. The vehicle could also have only one front wheel and one rear wheel (i.e. a motorcycle). In addition , the diameter and diameter ratio of rear wheels to front wheels could vary. Also, steering could be incorporated by differentially driving the rear wheels 24, 26 as opposed to a rotating front wheel 28. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that other modifications, arrangements, compositions and modes of operation would be possible to achieve the ultimate purpose of providing a vehicle capable of rollovers and a wheelie on its own axis. It is therefore to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed or suggested, but is intended to cover any modifications which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

0 / Claims

Claims (15)

Expectations 1. A remote-controlled toy vehicle (10) operable on rolling surfaces (S) and comprising: a chassis (12) having a front end (14), a rear end (16) and two opposite lateral sides (18, 20);
a body (22) connected to the chassis; J.0 at least one rear wheel (24) which is located near the rear end of the ™ Chassis for rotation relative to the chassis ; a front axle (34) mounted near the front end of the chassis, the front axle having at least one front wheel (28) mounted for rotation thereon relative to the chassis; and a motor (36) drivingly connected to the at least one rear wheel, the vehicle being characterized by: a curved roll bar (60) extending from the opposite sides of the chassis along the » opposite lateral sides and over the top of the chassis and body and is spaced from the body along the top and sides of the body. 2. A toy vehicle according to claim 1, further characterized by a rear axle (30) mounted proximate the chassis rear end and a second rear wheel (26), the at least one rear wheel and the second rear wheel being mounted on the axle for rotation relative to the chassis proximate opposite lateral sides of the chassis and the motor being drivingly coupled to each of the two rear wheels. 3. A toy vehicle according to claim 2, further characterized by a cam member (80) disposed between the rear wheels in a first position so as to contact the rollable surface (S) when the vehicle is in the wheelie position with the front wheel sufficiently lifted off the rollable surface, the cam member being closer to one of the rear wheels (24) to lift the closer of the rear wheels off the rollable surface and thereby cause the vehicle to rotate generally about the cam member by driving the other rear wheel. 4. A toy vehicle according to claim 1, further characterized by a vehicle power supply (32) which is mounted above the at least one rear wheel towards the rear end of the vehicle. 5. A toy vehicle according to claim 4, further characterized by the vehicle power supply (32) being removable 0 from a component of the vehicle and a receiving tray (54) mounted to receive and hold the power supply and a locking clip (56) arranged to secure the power supply in the receiving tray w to be releasably held back. 6. The toy vehicle of claim 5, further characterized by: a controller (40) responsive to control signals from a source (46) remote from the vehicle, the 0 controller (40) being connected to the power supply and the engine to selectively control operation of the engine; and a radio receiver (42) connected to the control device (40).
35 fr 7. Toy vehicle according to claim 1, further characterized by the front axle having two ends, one free end (70) and a second opposite end (72) being rotatably connected to at least one of the chassis and body parts are connected. ' _x 8. A toy vehicle according to claim 7, further characterized by a steering arm connected to the axle between the two ends and a steering device (38) connected to the steering arm. P 9. A toy vehicle according to claim 7, further characterized by the front wheel being disposed on a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle extending between the front end and the rear end. 10. A toy vehicle according to any of claims 1-9, further characterized by a roll bar which is generally circular in shape and defines the lateral sides and top of the chassis and body. 11. Toy vehicle according to any one of claims 1-9, further characterized by the roll bar which is in a W arc of more than 180 degrees around the body and chassis. 12. A toy vehicle according to any of claims 1-9, further characterized by the roll bar extending from the opposite lateral sides of the chassis near a central position along the chassis, and a second roll bar (66) extending from the opposite lateral sides of the chassis and along the lateral sides and over the top of the vehicle near the rear end of the chassis. 13. A toy vehicle (10) for operation on a rollable surface (S), comprising: a chassis (12) having a front end (14), a rear end (16) and two opposite lateral sides (18, 20); a pair of rear wheels (24, 26) mounted near the rear end of the chassis, the rear wheels being mounted on the opposite lateral sides of the chassis for rotation relative to the chassis; at least one motor (36) which is drivingly connected to at least one wheel of the rear wheel pair; and a front axle (34) which is located near the front end of the chassis * and has at least one front wheel (28) which is mounted for rotation thereon relative to the chassis, characterized by: the front axle being the only front axle of the vehicle and being located in the middle of the front end between the opposite lateral sides of the chassis, the front axle having two opposite ends, and a first free end (70) and a second end (72) connected to a component of the vehicle by a pivot pin (74) for rotational movement of the front axle with respect to the chassis. ^5 14. A toy vehicle according to claim 13, further characterized by a steering arm (76) having one end connected to the front axle between the two ends of the front axle. 0 15. A toy vehicle according to claim 14, further characterized by: a power source (32) removably mounted above the rear wheel pair;
a control device (40) responsive to control signals received from a source (46) extending from the vehicle and is connected to the motor and the steering arm to selectively control the operation of the motor and the steering arm; and a radio receiver (42) connected to the control device to provide radio remote control of the motor and the steering arm. H. ^ Patent Attorney j