Abstract: A toy for use in particular in a child's crib or playpen comprises a figure suspended from a rotatable main shaft in order to simulate acrobatic movements. The figure is suspended from the main shaft by a pair of arms which are fixed on the main shaft and pivotally connected to the body of the figure so that the body can swing freely as the arms rotate. The toy is hung from the crib, and operated by pulling a pull ring and cord. As the cord is pulled, the main shaft is driven through a ratchet gear mechanism. Upon release of the ring, a spring rewinds the cord, but the ratchet gear mechanism releases the positive engagement of the drive gear. The drive mechanism is preferably contained on a single drive shaft to engage directly a drive gear on the main shaft, providing a compact, durable and reliable drive network.

Abstract: An improved rotating toy, particularly a flying toy, with a centrifugal force responsive release mechanism comprising locking means for retaining an object, such as a parachute, within a receptacle in a first locked position, and centrifugal force responsive means for releasing the object from the first locked position in response to a first level of centrifugal force and maintaining the object in a second locked position until the level of centrifugal force decreases to a second level of centrifugal force.