Remote-control toy vehicle with power take-off mechanism

A toy vehicle for use on a surface, the vehicle comprising:

• a frame having a first and a second end;
• a motor mounted to the frame;
• at least a first propulsion wheel operatively coupled with the motor and rotatably mounted to the frame proximal one of the first and second ends;
• and
• a turning mechanism operatively coupled with the motor and including a rotatable arm mounted to the frame and a rotatable steering wheel mounted to the arm, the arm being rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein, in the extended position, the steering wheel contacts the surface and lifts one of the first and second ends off of the surface and the steering wheel rotates to turn the vehicle about a remaining one of the first and second ends in contact with the surface.

A power take-off mechanism for use in propelling and turning a toy vehicle having at least a first propulsion wheel, the power take-off mechanism comprising:

• a motor;
• a first clutch operably coupled with the motor so as to transfer rotation of the motor in only a first direction;
• a second clutch operably coupled with the motor so as to transfer rotation of the motor in only a second direction opposite the first direction;
• a first gear train being operatively coupled to at least the first propulsion wheel and the first clutch;
• and
• a second gear train being operatively coupled to a turning mechanism and the second clutch;
• wherein, upon the motor operating in a first direction, the first clutch causes engagement of the motor with the first gear train and the second clutch causes disengagement of the motor with the second gear train, causing the rotation of at least the first propulsion wheel, thereby propelling the vehicle;
• and
• wherein, upon the motor operating in a second direction, the second clutch causes engagement of the motor with the second gear train and the first clutch causes disengagement of the motor with the first gear train, causing rotation of the turning mechanism, thereby turning the vehicle.