US 4,743,214 · Granted 1988-05-10

Steering control for toy electric vehicles

A device for controlling the steering and direction of movement of an electrically operated toy vehicle wherein the toy vehicle has a rear axle driven by a gear train from an electric motor and a worm gear on the rear axle engaging a helical gear. The front wheels are connected by a tie rod and are adjustable together from a normal straight line position to an angular position to cause the vehicle to run in a curved path. An adjusting arm on the helical gear presets the angular position of the helical gear in which a reversal of direction will occur and a plurality of such angular positions may be provided. The direct current source or battery for motor power for the unit includes a pair of electromagnets in circuit with the source of electrical current, which is direct current, and with contact members. Energization of one of the electromagnets will, through a link, connection to the tie rod, cause the front wheels to turn in one direction. Energization of the other electromagnet will turn the front wheels in another direction. A spring connected to the link and tie rod for normalizing the position of the tie rod causes the front wheels to be directed straight ahead. The electromagnets, the direct current power source, such as a battery, and contact members are placed in series with each other.

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