Toy manufacturers attempt to duplicate well-known vehicles, as well as the latest in automotive developments, including specialty entertainment and racing vehicles. In addition, manufacturers constantly seek new ways and features to add innovative action to such toys to make such vehicles more realistic, versatile and/or entertaining.

Today's professional racing include pit stops to change tires, which are quickly removed and installed with pneumatic wrenches. Children enjoy simulating real life action and sound and would enjoy being able to change tires on toy vehicles using a powered wrench similar to the pneumatic wrenches used on real racing cars.

However, tools used on toy vehicles tend to be unrealistically small and are easily lost over time due to the fact that they are not central to a child's play.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention is a toy vehicle comprising: a chassis; a propulsion motor mounted to the chassis; a multiple speed transmission drivingly connected to the propulsion motor and being configurable in at least two different output speed ratios; a first pair of wheels on opposing sides of the chassis drivingly connected to the transmission such that the propulsion motor drives the first pair of wheels simultaneously in a same linear direction through the transmission; the first pair of wheels further being operatively connected to the transmission to shift the transmission to a first of the at least two different output speed ratios.

In another aspect, the invention is a combination toy vehicle controller and power tool, the combination comprising: a housing including a handle; a trigger supported on the housing proximal the handle for movement between at least first and second trigger positions; a vehicle controller operatively connected to the trigger; a motor operatively connected to the trigger, the motor having an output; and a power tool drivingly connected to the output of the motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a remotely controlled toy vehicle, additional set of larger wheels for the vehicle and combination toy vehicle controller/power tool; Fig. 2 is a exploded perspective view of the toy vehicle of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a drive assembly mounting a pair of the smaller wheels; Fig. 4 is a partially broken away view of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a partially broken away end view of the drive assembly of Figs. 3 and 4; Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the drive assembly mounting a pair of the larger wheels; Fig. 7 is a partially broken away view of Fig. 6 with the tires removed for greater clarity; Fig. 8 is a partially broken away end view of the drive assembly of Figs.

6 and 7; Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the drive assembly of Figs 3-8 without wheels; Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a steering servo; Fig 11 is a right side profile view of a combination remote control and power tool according to the present invention; Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the combination remote control and power tool; and

Fig. 13 is a side cross section view of the power tool portion of the combination remote control and power tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words"right,""left,""forward,""rear,""lower"and "upper"designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The word"a" is defined to mean"at least one". The words"inwardly"and"outwardly"refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the toy vehicle or the vehicle controller in accordance with the present invention, and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words noted above as well as derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout. A preferred toy vehicle of the present invention capable of performing on a playing surface"S"is indicated generally at 20 in Fig. 1. Vehicle 20 is shown mounting a set of four identical, relatively smaller wheels 70, which are at least essentially fully received within the wheel wells of the body. According to an important aspect of the invention, the vehicle is further provided with a second set of preferably four identical, larger wheels 80. When mounted, larger wheels 80 extend well beyond the sides of the vehicle 20. Both sets of wheels 70 and 80 can be removably mounted to the vehicle 20. Also, different pairs of smaller and larger wheels 70,80 can be mounted on the front and rear of the chassis 22. Fig. 1 further

depicts a combination toy vehicle controller and power tool device indicated generally at 110, which is used to remotely control the vehicle 20.

Referring to Fig. 2, the vehicle 20 is depicted in exploded view without wheels for clarity. The vehicle 20 preferably comprises an aerodynamically shaped body, indicated generally at 21 mounted on a chassis 22. The body 21 may be provided with vehicular detailing, which may be three-dimensional (functional or non-functional) or merely surface ornamentation provided to simulate such functional elements. For example, the body may be provided with such detail as a bank of header pipes, an external fluid cooler (oil, transmission, or both), undercarriage details, etc.

Additionally, the body 21 can be in the form of other aerodynamic styles or conventional passenger car and other vehicle styles. The vehicle 20 may also be equipped with lights (not shown), which are illuminated when the vehicle is being operated. The chassis 22 and the body 21 are constructed of, for example, plastic or any other suitable material, such as wood or metal. Front and/or rear bumper (s) 25,26, respectively, are preferably provided for appearance and protection. If desired, the upper side of the body 21 (or chassis 22) can be provided with a wing 2 la or other raised structure, preferably over or at least near the rear wheels. Also, the chassis 22 may be integrally formed with an outer skin or body in a monocoque construction. The body 21 further includes a removable battery cover 23, which is preferably located toward the rear of the vehicle 20.

The chassis 22 further includes an upper cover 24, the rear end 24b of which defines one-half of a battery box. The other half 24a of the box is formed by the upper rear end of chassis 22. Battery box 24a, 24b is preferably located directly

beneath the battery cover 23. The box 24a, 24b is preferably sized to receive and releasably retain a rechargeable battery power supply 33 or a plurality of conventional AA batteries (not depicted). The battery box 24a, b is preferably located toward the rear of the vehicle 20 to provide a rearward weight distribution, which aids the vehicle 20 in performing front wheel rises or"wheelies". Rollers 46 preferably are located on the underside of the wing 21 a or chassis 22 to support the rear of vehicle 20 on the surface S when the toy vehicle is performing a"wheelie"stunt. The rollers can be mounted to rotate on conventional pivots 47 such as screws or pins.

A conventional printed circuit board ("PC board") 32 (in phantom) is preferably housed for protection and fixedly mounted to the chassis 22. A propulsion motor 43 is electrically connected to the PC board 32 and may be controlled independently of any other features controlled on the vehicle. The vehicle 20 is suggestedly wirelessly remotely controlled and, preferably, radio controlled by the device 110. The PC board 32 preferably includes circuitry and electrical components for a radio receiver 32a and a vehicle controller 32b and is electrically connected to the power supply 33. An antenna 32c extends from the PC board 32 and preferably from the rear of the body 21, although those skilled in the art will recognize that the antenna can extend from other parts of the vehicle 20 or be contained entirely within the vehicle. The vehicle controller 32b is connected to the radio receiver 32a to receive and process vehicle control signals from remote control device 110, which is described later herein, or other sources remote to the vehicle 20.

Preferably mounted to the front end of the chassis is a steering servo assembly 30, the operating components of which are disclosed and discussed with

respect to Fig. 10. Servo 30 rotates a steering servo tie rod plate 31. A lower suspension plate 36 is mounted to the bottom side of the chassis 22 where it retains a pair of identical king pin members 34 which rotatably mount right and left steering knuckles 37, 38, respectively. The steering knuckles 37, 38 are coupled with the tie rod plate 31 by right and left tie rod portions 35a, 35b, respectively, of a resilient wire tie link 35 of which connects with the plate 31. Separated potions 35a, 35b could be used as well. Outer ends of the portions 35a, 35b are received in rearward extending arms of the knuckles 37,38. A pair of identical front axle shafts 39 are provided extending laterally outwardly from each knuckle 37,38. Each shaft 39 mounts an externally threaded front wheel arbor 40 for free rotation thereon. Preferably, a trim switch spring 42 is provided to center the plate 31 with the front wheels parallel to one another and to the rear wheels when the servo 30 is not activated. A trim switch 41 is mounted beneath the tie rod plate 31 to adjust the center or neutral position of the servo 30 through positioning the spring 42. An eccentric pin 41 a on trim switch 41 extends between arms of the spring 42 which, in turn, span a centering stud 344 (See Fig. 10) at the bottom of plate 31.

The chassis 22 preferably includes a separate drive assembly 27 best seen in Figs. 3-9. The drive assembly 27 includes a housing 28 formed by shells 28a and 28b (see Fig. 2). The drive assembly 27 is coupled to the lower rear end of the chassis 22 by suitable means such as individual pins, screws, rivets or the like on either lateral side (not depicted) or by pivot members 27a (e. g. screws, bolts or pins) extending across the assembly or a portion of the assembly. The drive assembly 27 is preferably essentially non-movably coupled with the chassis as shown but may be mounted for

significant twisting and pivoting movement as is often common in such toys.

Referring to Fig. 4, the housing 28 preferably contains one electric propulsion motor 43, which is preferably reversible. The drive assembly 27 further includes a variable speed transmission indicated generally at 99, which is drivingly connected to the propulsion motor 43 and is configurable in at least two different output speed ratios. Referring to Fig. 2, a motor end cap 44 is provided to mount the motor 43 in the housing 28. The motor 43 is provided with a pinion 45 which engages a first stage gear assembly including a large spur gear 57 and a small spur gear 58 fixedly coupled together for common rotation on a jack shaft 56. A second stage is provided for rotation preferably on a keyed shaft such as a hex shaft 60. The second stage includes a large driven spur gear 65 fixed to the shaft 60 for rotation therewith. A pair of slide gears 66 and 67 are also keyed with the shaft 60 but mounted for lateral movement along the shaft. A third stage is provided by a rear axle 64 fixedly mounting a large spur gear 68 and a small spur gear 69 by suitable means. In this instance, each gear 68, 69 is provided with an axially extending boss which face one another and are frictionally engaged to one another and to the shaft 64 by bushings 80 clamped to the rear axle 64. Preferably mounted at each outer end of the rear axle 64 is a threaded axle end 61. End 61 is fixedly secured with the end of the axle 64 and has a hexagonal outer surface with a recessed threaded outer end. A rear wheel arbor 62 having a hexagonal inner bore is mated with the hexagonal outer surface of the axle end 61 and retained on the end of rear axle 64 by suitable means such as a washer screw 47. Arbor 62 has a threaded outer surface 62a and an adjoining hexagonal portion 62b. Shaft 60 and axle 64 preferably are suitably supported for rotation in the housing 28 by

appropriate bushings 59.

The multiple speed transmission 99 of the drive assembly 27 is configured to be externally switched or shifted between at least two different output speed ratios. A speed selection switch slide member 52 is mounted through an opening in the upper side of the housing 28 to slide along a transverse slot 28c through the housing, which is best seen in Figs. 3,6 and 9. As is best seen in Figs. 2,5 and 8, the slide member 52 includes a fork 52a on its lower side, the tines of which straddle the larger, second stage spur gear 67. Member 52 can thus slide the combined large and small spur gears 67 and 66 along the hex shaft 60 for engagement with either of the small and large spur gears 69,68, respectively, fixed to the rear axle 64.

The rear wheels 70 or 80 preferably are operatively connected to the transmission 99 through the speed selection slide member 52 by asymmetric left and right levers 48 and 49 and a torsion spring 54 rotatably secured to the slide member 52 by suitable means such as a large washer screw 53. The levers 48,49 are slidably secured to the upper surface of the housing 28 by suitable means such as linkage keepers 50,51. Figs. 3-5 depict the drive assembly 27 with a pair of the small wheels 70. In Fig. 5 (looking from front to back in the drive assembly 27 in Figs. 3 and 4), the right (vehicle right) side gear change lever 49 has an upturned, outward end, which contacts an inner circumference edge of rim 72 of the small wheel 70 and is pushed inward. Referring to Fig. 3, the inner end of lever 49 is hooked to and pushes one of the tines of the spring 54 inward biasing the slide member 52 to the left end of the slot 28c in the top of the transmission housing 28. Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the larger slidable gear 67 engages smaller drive gear 69 to provide a relatively lower output

speed reduction to the transmission 99 corresponding to a relatively higher output speed ratio and wheel speed (rpm) for a given motor speed (rpm) and effectively a higher vehicle speed, despite the smaller size of the tires 70.

Figs. 4 and 5 reveal details of preferred small wheels 70. Each small wheel 70 includes a rim 72 mounting a flexible, resilient, preferably elastic tire 71 preferably open to atmosphere. A wheel nut 73 is captured for free rotation in the wheel 70 between the rim 72 and an annular retainer 74, which is secured to the rim. A slight axial space 75 is preferably provided between the rim 72 and retainer 74 to permit some axial movement of the wheel nut 73 to enable the wheel arbor 40 or 62 to seat in a noncircular, preferably hexagonal central opening 76 in the wheel 70 through the center of the rim 72. The opening 76 non-rotatably mates or"keys"with a non- circular, preferably hexagonal outer surface portion 62b of either rear wheel arbor 62 (see Fig. 9).

Referring now to Figs. 6 through 8 when a larger wheel 80 is mounted as a rear wheel, an inner edge of its rim 82 is positioned to contact the downturned end of the left side gear change lever 48 as best seen in Fig. 8 (where the view is rear to front in the transmission housing 28). The lever 48 is biased inwardly by the large wheel 80, and, in turn, presses the near side tine of the torsion spring 54 inward, biasing the slide member 52 towards the right side of the slot 28c thereby switching or shifting the configuration of the transmission 99 so that the small slide gear 66 engages the large rear axle gear 68 to provide a greater reduction ratio and lower output speed ratio with corresponding, slower tire 80 rotation (rpm) than the gear 67/gear 69 combination but with higher torque needed or desired for larger tires and for off-road,

dirt and/or climbing performance.

Fig. 9 depicts the neutral position of the switch member 52 in the center of the slot 28c when different size wheels 70/80 are simultaneously mounted on either end of the rear axle 64. When both levers 48 and 49 are simultaneously engaged, the tines of the spring 54 and the levers 48,49 are squeezed together as indicated in solid.

When neither lever 48,49 (as indicated in phantom) is engaged, the uncompressed or only slightly compressed tines (also indicated in phantom) still center the switch member 52 in the slot 28c. In this position, the second stage gears 66,67 are not engaged with either drive axle gear 68 or 69 and the vehicle will not move.

Referring to Figs. 6 and/or 7, it can be seen that the construction of larger wheels 80 is similar to that of smaller wheels 70. Each large wheel 80 includes a resilient, preferably elastic tire 81 open to atmosphere and mounted on a rim 82. A long bodied nut 83 is rotatably captured in the rim 81 by means of an annular nut retainer 84. Again, an axial space 85 is provided between the retainer 84 and the rim 82 to provide some axial movement to the nut 83 to assist in seating. The center of the rim is provided with a noncircular, preferably hexagonal central opening 86 to key with and engage a similarly shaped outer surface 62b of the driven rear wheel arbors 62, which are best seen in Fig. 9.

Referring to Fig. 10, there is shown the operating components of the servo 30. These include a reversible electric motor 302, the drive shaft of which 304 supports a bar 306 for rotation. Slidably mounted on the ends of the bar 306 are a pair of identical friction shoes 308. These shoes 308 frictionally engage the inner circumferential sidewall of a clutch member 310 mounting a drive pinion 312. The

member 310 and shoes 308 form a centrifugal clutch between the motor 302 and the rest of the depicted drive train. Pinion 312 drives the larger spur gear 316 of a second combination gear including a second pinion 318. Pinion 318 in turn drives the larger spur gear 322 of a third combination gear including a third pinion 324. Pinion 324 in turn drives the larger spur gear 332 of a combination gear including yet a fourth pinion 334 which, in turn, drives a fifth large spur gear 336. The gear 336 is fixedly secured to the servo tie rod plate 31 by suitable means such as a mechanical fastener 340. The plate 31 includes mounting holes 342 for the tie rod inner ends and a centering stud 344 which cooperates with the trim switch spring 42 (Fig. 2) to the center the plate 31 in a neutral steering position when the motor 302 is not powered. Motor 302 is reversible to provide steering in either direction. The slip clutch formed by the elements 306,308,310 permit motor 302 to continue to run safely without overheating or excess power consumption after the plate 31 has reached its rotational travel limits.

The servo assembly 30 is electrically coupled with the PC board 32 so as to be controlled by the vehicle controller 32b in response to command signals from the remote control device 110. Preferably, the controller 32b and device 110 are configured to provide independent control of steering and propulsion. However, remote control of one or the other or combined control of the two (or no remote control at all) can be provided in a conventional fashion depending upon the maximum cost of manufacture and/or mode of play desired.

One of ordinary skill will appreciate that, although each of the propulsion and steering motors preferably is an electrical motor, other types of propulsion for moving or steering the vehicle 10, including hydraulic, pneumatic,

spring wound, flywheel or other inertial and electromagnetic prime movers could be used. One of ordinary skill will further appreciate that wired or tether control of the vehicle from a remotely located handset is also possible. Also, infrared or sonic/ultrasonic wireless remote control can be used.

The combined toy vehicle remote controller and power tool device 110 will now be described with respect to Figs. 1 and 11-13. Referring to Figs. 1 and 11, the controller/tool 110 includes a housing indicated generally at 112 in the form of a conventional air wrench or drill including a pistol grip-type handle 116 supporting a generally cylindrical main body 118. A trigger/control member 126 is mounted on the front side of the upper end of handle 116. An operating mode selector switch 146 is located on the upper rear side of the main body 118. A steering knob 154 is rotatably mounted at the rear of the main body 118. An antenna 144 extends downwardly from the handle 116. Finally, a socket tool 216 having a hexagonal recess 220 is provided at the forward end of the main body in a conventional fashion.

Fig. 12 depicts the controller/tool 110 in exploded form. Housing 112 is formed from left and right housing shells 112L, 112R, which are secured to each other by suitable means such as fasteners 114. Those skilled in the art will recognize that housing shells 112L, 112R can be secured to each other by alternate fasteners, adhesives, stakes, etc. The housing 112 is shaped generally like an impact or pneumatic (air) wrench.

A power supply 120 is enclosed within the handle 116. Preferably, the power supply 120 is in the form of replaceable batteries 121, although those skilled in the art will realize that or a rechargeable power pack or batteries can be used. Access

to batteries 121 is provided through a battery door 122, which is hingedly connected to the housing 112 and secured to the housing 112 with a fastener 124. Lower battery contacts 121 a are located on the battery door 122 for electrical contact with the batteries 121.

Trigger 123 is pivotally connected to the housing 112 at a pivot axle 128, preferably proximate to a forward portion of the top of the handle 116. A lower end 126a of the trigger 126 is preferably generally"C-shaped", with the"C"tracing an arc of over 180°, and preferably, approximately 300°. An opening 129 within the"C" is sized to allow the user to insert his/her finger to operate the trigger 126.

Preferably, the trigger 126 is operable between three positions, an "OFF"or neutral position (in solid in Fig. 11), a forward position 134 (shown in long dashed lines in Fig. 11) and a reverse position 136 (shown in dot-dashed lines in Fig.

11). Referring back to Fig. 12, a torsion spring 138, located within the housing 112 and preferably above the pivot axle 123, biases the trigger 126 to the neutral position.

A trigger wiper board 127, having separate contact faces 127a, 127b, 127c, is fixedly mounted inside the housing 112. A trigger contact plate 128 is slidingly mounted to the housing 112 and to the top end 126b of the trigger 126 such that operation of the trigger 126 slides the trigger contact plate 128 along the housing 112. A forward trigger contact 130a and a rear trigger contact 130b are each mounted on the trigger contact plate 128 such that, when the trigger 126 is pulled back toward the handle 116, the forward trigger contact 130a engages the trigger wiper board contact face 127a. When the trigger 126 is pushed away from the handle 116, the rear trigger contact 130b engages the trigger wiper board contact face 127c, completing a

separate electrical circuit. The top end 126a of the trigger 126 is biased by the torsion spring 138 to a neutral position where neither the forward nor the rear trigger contacts 130a, 130b engage the trigger wiper board contact faces 127a, 127c. Preferably, the trigger contacts 130a, 130b are biased toward the trigger wiper board 127 by springs 131.

The trigger wiper board contact faces 127a, 127c are separately electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PC board) 142, which is contained within the housing 112, and transmit electrical signals from the trigger wiper board 127 to the PC board 142. The PC board 142 is also electrically connected to the batteries 121 via upper battery contacts 121 b. An antenna 144 is electrically connected to the PC board 142 and extends outward from the housing 112, preferably from the bottom of the handle 116, although those skilled in the art will recognize that the antenna 144 can be hidden or extend from any part of the controller 110.

The selector switch 146 on to the top of the housing 112 is movable between a remote control position on one side of a longitudinal center line of the device 110, and a power tool position on an opposite side of the center line from the remote control position. The selector switch 146 may be a double pole, single throw switch which is electrically connected at least to the PC board 142 to provide a signal to the PC board 142 to indicate the desired mode of operation of the controller/tool 110. A cover 147 protects the switch.

In the remote control mode of operation, the forward trigger contact 130a is a forward motion contact and the rear trigger contact 130b is a reverse motion contact. In the power tool mode of operation, the forward trigger contact 130a is a

clockwise (from the rear of the controller 110) contact and the rear trigger contact 130b is a counter-clockwise (from the rear of the controller 110) contact.

Steering knob 154 is a steering controller and is mounted on a steering shaft bushing 158, which in turn is mounted on a steering knob shaft 160. Both the steering knob bushing 158 and the steering knob shaft 160 are rotatable about the longitudinal axis 156. The steering knob shaft 160 is rotatably mounted on a diaphragm end plate 162, which is fixed to the inside of the housing 112. A steering torsion spring 164 biases the steering knob 154 to a neutral position. A contact mounting board 166 is connected to an inside face of the steering knob 156 and a steering control contact 167 is connected to the contact mounting board 166 by screws 114. A steering controller wiper board 168 with three contact faces 168a, 168b, 168c is connected to the inside of the housing 112. The contact faces 168a, 168b, 168c are separately electrically connected to the PC board 142 to transmit electrical signals from the steering knob 156 to the PC board 142. A spring 167a biases the steering control contact 167 away from board 166 and against the steering control wiper board 168.

A motor mount 172 supports a power tool motor 174, preferably, a high speed low torque reversible electric motor like a Mabuchi FC 130 series motor.

Preferably, a motor output shaft 176 with pinion 178 extends toward the rear of the controller 110, although those skilled in the art will recognize that the motor output shaft 176 can be oriented in other directions. Preferably, a sound roller 180 is mounted on a first end 182a of a roller shaft 182 and is drivingly connected to the motor output pinion 178. A second end 182b of the roller shaft 182 is connected to a sound diaphragm 170 supported on the diaphragm end plate 162.

A large spur gear 184 is drivingly coupled with and is preferably located below the motor output pinion 178. The large spur gear 184 is fixedly connected to a first end of a jack shaft 186. Preferably, the jack shaft 186 extends along the motor 174 <BR> <BR> toward the front of the controller 110. A small spur gear 188 is fixedly connected to a second (forward) end of the jack shaft 186.

A first combination gear 190 of a reduction gear train, comprised of a spur gear 190a and a pinion 190b, is rotatingly mounted on a hollow, gear float cylinder 192. The spur gear 190a is drivingly connected to the jack shaft small spur gear 188. A second combination gear 194, comprised of a spur gear 194a and a pinion 194b, is rotatingly mounted on a combination gear shaft 196. The spur gear 194a is drivingly engaged with the pinion 190b. A third combination gear 198, comprised of a spur gear 198a and a pinion 198b, is rotatingly mounted on the gear float cylinder 192.

The spur gear 198a is drivingly engaged with the pinion 194b. A fourth combination gear 200, comprised of a spur gear 200a and a pinion 200b, is rotatingly mounted on the combination gear shaft 196. The spur gear 200a is drivingly connected to the pinion 198b. A gearbox endplate 199 supports a rear end of each of the gear float cylinder 142 and the combination gear shaft 196. A gearbox housing 201, on the forward end of the body 118, encloses the combination gears 190,194,198,200 and supports a forward end of each of the of the gear float cylinder 192 and the combination gear shaft 196.

A clutch spur gear 202 is rotatingly mounted on the gear float cylinder 192. The clutch spur gear 202 is drivingly connected to the pinion 200b. A clutch input 204 is fixedly connected to the clutch spur gear 202 and is rotatingly mounted on

the gear float cylinder 192. The clutch input 204 includes a plurality of preferably V- shaped teeth 206. A clutch output 208 includes a plurality of teeth 210 engageable with the clutch input V-shaped teeth 206. A forward end 208a of the clutch output 208 is flattened with a plurality of planar sides 209. A rear portion of the clutch shaft 212 rides inside the hollow gear float cylinder 192. All are is mounted for rotation on a clutch shaft 212. A helical spring 214 surrounds the output shaft 212 between the clutch output 208 and the gearbox housing 201 and biases the clutch output 208 into contact from the clutch input 204. The flattened sides 209 key into a tool, preferably a socket 216 with mating internal flat sides. The socket 216 is fixedly connected to the clutch output 208 by any suitable means such as a washered screw 218. Although a hex socket 216 is preferred, those skilled in the art will recognize that the power tool can be any other rotating tool, including, but not limited to, a drill bit, a screw driver, or other rotating tool.

The PC board 142 is electrically and operably coupled with the trigger 126, the switch 146 and the knob 154 to generate control signals to be transmitted to the toy vehicle 20 and to motor 174 to rotate tool 216. The PC board 142 includes circuitry 142a constituting a vehicle remote control and circuitry 142b constituting a power tool motor control. The vehicle remote control circuitry 142a includes movement (propulsion and steering) control circuitry 142c and radio transmitter circuitry 142d, formatting and transmitting radio control signals from the movement control circuitry 142c. Circuitry 142b is configured to respond to the state of the trigger 26 to supply appropriately polarized electrical power to motor 174 to rotate socket tool 216 Alternatively, the circuitry can be configured to use the mode selector

switch 146 to close a subcircuit to supply power to the tool motor 174 directly through switches associated with the trigger 126, which would control polarity. Alternatively or in addition, the circuitry could be provided with an electronic switch which, in the vehicle control mode of selector switch 146, would supply power to the transmitter when a signal was generated by the non-neutral position of the trigger 126 or the steering knob 156.

To operate the toy vehicle 10, the user selects the vehicle remote control position on the selector switch 146, disabling the power tool feature.

To propel the toy vehicle 10 in a forward direction, the user pulls the trigger 126 backward, toward the handle 116, to position 134 until the forward trigger contact 130a contacts the trigger wiper board contact face 127a, sending an electrical signal to the PC board 142, which sends a radio signal to the toy vehicle 10. To operate the vehicle 10 in the reverse direction, the user pushes the trigger 126 forward, away from the handle 116, to the position 136 until the reverse trigger contact 130b contacts the trigger wiper board contact face 127c, sending an electrical signal to the PC board 142, which sends a radio signal to the toy vehicle 10. To stop the vehicle 10, the user releases the trigger 126. The torsion spring 138 biases the trigger 126 to the neutral position, cutting off electrical contact from the trigger contacts 130a, 130b to the PC board 142.

To turn the vehicle 10, the user rotates the steering knob 154. To turn the vehicle 10 toward the right, the user rotates the steering knob 154 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the rear of the controller 110 until steering knob contact 167 contacts the contact face 168a, sending an electrical signal to the PC board 142, which

transmits a radio signal to the toy vehicle 10. Similarly, to turn the vehicle toward the left, the user rotates the steering knob 154 in the counter-clockwise direction engaging contact 167 with face 168c, sending a signal to PC board 142 which transmits an appropriate control signal to vehicle controller 326. In each case, the vehicle PC board 32 supplies electrical power of appropriate polarity to the servo to rotate the servo plate 31. When the user releases the steering knob 154, the torsion spring 164 biases the steering knob 154 to a neutral position where contact 167 engages wiper board contact face 168b. Power to the servo 130 is terminated by controller 326 but the plate 31 and servo 30 are returned to the neutral position by trim switch spring 42, straightening the front wheels. The user can operate both the trigger 126 and the steering knob 154 simultaneously to propel and steer the toy vehicle 10 simultaneously and independently of one another. Alternatively, other known remote control arrangements can be used, for example, to propel the vehicle only forward in a straight line and only turning in reverse to simplify the toy.

To operate the controller/tool 110 in power tool mode, the user switches the selector switch 146 to the power tool position, disabling the remote control feature.

To remove a tire 70 or 80, the user inserts the socket 216 in a wheel hub to engage the outer sidewalls of the wheel nut 73 or 83. The user then pushes the trigger 126 away from the handle 116, energizing the tool motor 174 to rotate the socket 216 in a direction to remove the nut 73 or 83 from the axle. As the motor output pinion 178 rotates, the pinion 178 rotate the sound roller 180. The sound roller 180, if provided, loosely engages the roller shaft 182, vibrating the roller shaft 182. The roller shaft 182 transmits the vibrations to the sound diaphragm, which emits a sound which, in

conjunction with the engagement of the pinions and gears 178,184,188,190,194, 198,200,202, produces a sound similar to a pneumatic wrench or impact tool.

The user stops the tool motor 174 by releasing the trigger 126. The torsion spring 138 biases the trigger 126 to the neutral position 132, de-energizing the tool motor 174. The user then removes the wheel 70 or 80 from the vehicle 210 and inserts the new wheel onto the vehicle 10, sliding the wheel hub over the axle shaft arbor. The user inserts the socket 216 into the wheel to engage the sides of the wheel nuts 73,83. The user then pulls the trigger 126 toward the handle 116, energizing the tool motor 174 to rotate in an opposite direction to tighten the wheel nut 73,83 onto the axle arbor 40,62.

To prevent the user from over-tightening of the wheel nut 73,83 once the wheel nut is secured to the axle arbor 40,62, the clutch output 208 overcomes the biasing force of the helical spring 214 and the V-shaped output teeth 210 override the V-shaped input teeth 206, effectively disengaging the clutch output 208 from the clutch input 204. This also reduces torque reaction at the handle and prevents the tool motor 174 from burning out and damage to any of the gears between the tool motor output shaft 176 and the clutch input 204. It also causes the entire controller tool 110 to shake and shudder like a real impact tool. Also, the drag causes the motor 174 to slow, changing the pitch of the sound generated by the sound roller 180 and diaphragm 170.

It will be appreciated that a conventional vehicle remote control unit might be provided with a separate tool (manual or powered) to remove and apply wheels.

Although the presently preferred embodiment toy vehicle 10 is remotely controlled via radio signals, it should be understood that other types of remotely

controlled (both hard wire and other types of wireless control) vehicle toys as well as vehicle toys which are not controlled are also within the scope of the invention. For instance, a wind-up or other spring actuated motors could be substituted for the electric motors of the present invention. Also, remote control can be eliminated from the vehicle and power tool. Thus, it is recognized that less expensive but still powered toy vehicles having some of the novel features of the invention, for example, the tire changing and/or transmission shifting features, can be made and are within the scope of the invention. While several possible circuitry arrangements have been disclosed, still other arrangements accomplishing the same or essentially the same results could be employed.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that although the invention is described herein in terms of the preferred, four-wheeled embodiment, the present invention could also comprise a vehicle having three wheels, or more than four wheels. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.