ANGLED TOY VEHICLE LAUNCHER

Abstract

A toy vehicle launch apparatus is described. The launch apparatus comprises a base, a vehicle tray, an actuator, a launch member, and a release controller. The vehicle tray is coupled to the base such that it is rotatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the base. The actuator, launch member, and release controller are coupled such that the launch member is configured to move between a ready position and a released position along a surface of the vehicle tray. The apparatus may also include a vehicle disposed on a surface of the vehicle tray and positioned in a launch position adjacent to the launch member. A combination toy vehicle transporter and launch apparatus and a method of launching a vehicle are also disclosed.

Description

FIELD

Toy vehicle launchers as disclosed herein are specially configured to facilitate transporting and launching a toy vehicle therefrom in a manner enabling the toy vehicle to do stunt maneuvers and the like.

BACKGROUND

Launching a toy vehicle from a stationary position continues to provide amusement for children of all ages. After launching, the toy vehicle will speed away across a surface to some unknown location. Children instantly become amused by the speed at which the vehicle launches and the anticipation in finding out where the toy vehicle will go after launching. Although the anticipation of launching a toy vehicle from a flat platform still amuses many children, finding new ways to launch toy vehicles will increase amusement. A need for improved toy vehicle launchers, therefore, continues to exist.

SUMMARY

A toy vehicle launch apparatus, a combination vehicle transporter and toy vehicle launch apparatus, and a method for launching a toy vehicle from an apparatus are described.

The launch apparatus comprises a base, a vehicle tray, an actuator, a launch member, and a release controller. The vehicle tray is coupled to the base such that it is rotatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the base. The actuator is coupled to the vehicle tray and configured to move between a relaxed position and an energized position. The launch member is coupled to the actuator and configured to move between a ready position and a released position along a surface of the vehicle tray. And the release controller is coupled to the actuator to activate the actuator from the energized position, which corresponds to the ready position of the launch member, to the relaxed position, which corresponds to the launch member released position. The apparatus may also include a vehicle disposed on a surface of the vehicle tray and positioned in a launch position adjacent to the launch member.

In accordance with a first aspect, the vehicle comprises means for rotating at least one drive wheel.

In accordance with a second aspect, one or more of the vehicle drive wheels are not in contact with the surface of the vehicle tray when placed thereon.

In accordance with a third aspect, the vehicle is launched along a length of the vehicle tray by moving the release controller. This movement of the release controller activates the actuator that moves the launch member from the ready position to the released position.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, when the vehicle is launched, the vehicle tray is positioned at an angle ranging from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the base and preferably at an angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to the base.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, upon launching and exiting the vehicle tray, the vehicle moves away from the vehicle tray on two wheels, where the two wheels comprise one front wheel and one rear wheel on the same side of the vehicle.

In accordance with a sixth aspect, the base is a member of a vehicle transporter, which comprises a number of wheels attached thereto for rolling movement on an underlying surface.

In accordance with a seventh aspect, the actuator is a spring, the release controller cooperates with a mechanism connected with the spring and moves upon application of finger contact with the release controller.

In accordance with an eighth aspect, the apparatus comprises means for retaining the vehicle tray in a rotated position, and for releasing the vehicle tray from the rotated position onto the base.

In accordance with a ninth aspect, the rotated position is within an angle of about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the base.

In accordance with a tenth aspect, the apparatus further comprises a vehicle, having at least four wheels, disposed on the vehicle tray and launched in the rotated position. After launching, the vehicle moves away from the vehicle tray on two wheels onto an adjacent surface.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect, the apparatus further comprises a ramp coupled to the base and extending therefrom to an adjacent surface.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect, the apparatus further comprises a cover that is removably disposed over the vehicle tray.

The combination toy vehicle transport and launch apparatus comprises a base with a plurality of wheels connected thereto for rotational movement of the base on an underlying surface; a vehicle tray connected to the base, which is rotatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the base; a launch member connected to and disposed along a surface of the vehicle tray; actuating means connected with the vehicle tray for moving the launch member from a ready position to a released position; and a vehicle disposed on the surface of the vehicle tray and positioned adjacent the launch member. During use of the combination toy vehicle transport and launch apparatus, the launch member is actuated from the ready position to the released position and the vehicle is launched along the vehicle tray surface to an adjacent surface.

The method for launching a four-wheeled toy vehicle from an apparatus, includes placing a four-wheeled toy vehicle on a vehicle tray that is connected with a base and rotatable along a longitudinal axis of the tray, where the toy vehicle is positioned adjacent a launch member on the tray that is in a ready position; and activating a release to cause an actuator to move the launch member from the ready position to a released position, where movement of the launch member to the released position causes the four-wheeled toy vehicle to be launched away from the vehicle tray.

Other objects, features and advantages of the described preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating example embodiments of the toy vehicle launchers, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the toy vehicle launchers may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and toy vehicle launchers as disclosed herein are understood to include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a combination toy vehicle transport and launch apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the combination toy vehicle transport and launch apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a combination toy vehicle transport and launch apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a covered combination toy vehicle transport and launch apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a covered combination toy vehicle transport and launch apparatus;

FIG. 6 shows perspective views of the removable cover disposed over the combination toy vehicle transport and launch apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a toy vehicle launch apparatus with the actuator in a relaxed position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a toy vehicle launch apparatus with the actuator in an energized position;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a toy vehicle launch apparatus with the actuator in an energized position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toy vehicle launch apparatus with the vehicle tray positioned at an angle and the actuator in a relaxed position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a toy vehicle launch apparatus with the vehicle tray positioned at an angle and the actuator in a relaxed position;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of a toy vehicle launch apparatus with the vehicle tray positioned at an angle;

FIGS. 13A and 13B show interior components of the toy vehicle launch apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a toy vehicle;

FIG. 15 shows perspective views of a toy vehicle launch apparatus and a toy vehicle;

FIG. 16 shows a top view of a toy vehicle launch apparatus, including a toy vehicle positioned on the vehicle tray;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a toy vehicle launch apparatus, including a toy vehicle, with the vehicle tray positioned at an angle;

FIG. 18 shows a front view of a toy vehicle launch apparatus, including a toy vehicle, with the vehicle tray positioned at an angle;

FIG. 19 shows a rear view of a toy vehicle launch apparatus, including a toy vehicle, with the vehicle tray positioned at an angle; and

FIG. 20 shows steps of a method of for launching a toy vehicle from an apparatus.

Like numerals may or may not refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific, non-limiting, embodiments of angled toy launchers as disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of embodiments within the scope of the toy launcher as disclosed herein. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which toy vehicle launchers pertain are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of toy vehicle launchers as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 1-3 show a combination 100 toy vehicle transport 102 and toy vehicle launch apparatus 104. In this configuration, the combination 100 is connected to a cab 200. The combination 100 comprises a base 110 having a plurality of transport wheels 112 connected to the base such that the wheels move rotationally on an underlying and adjacent surface 114. The cab 200 also includes a plurality of transport wheels 212 that move rotationally on the underlying and adjacent surface 114.

The launch apparatus 104 comprises a vehicle tray 116, which is connected to the base 110. The vehicle tray 116 is configured for positioning of a toy vehicle 118 thereon (FIGS. 15-16). During transport of the vehicle 118, the vehicle tray 116 is preferably substantially horizontal. Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a cover 120 may be removably disposed over the vehicle tray 116. The cover may include one or more decals 122 adhered to an outer cover surface. The cover may include surface elements or features that are designed to register with complementary surface elements or features of the vehicle transport 102 to promote fitment and/or releasable attachment therewith. FIG. 6 shows perspective views of one type of cover 120 configuration suitable for positioning over the vehicle tray and onto the vehicle transport.

To facilitate movement and positioning of the vehicle 118 from the vehicle tray 116, a ramp 123 may also extend from the base 110 to the underlying and adjacent surface 114. In an example, the ramp 123 is movably attached an end of the base 110 and can be moved from an upward position, where the ramp 123 is oriented vertically relative to the base 110, to a downward position, where the ramp 123 extends horizontally from the base 110 at a downward angle to the underlying and adjacent surface 114.

To launch the vehicle 118 from the vehicle tray 116, the launch apparatus 104 includes an actuator 124 (FIG. 13A -13B), a launch member 126, and a release controller 128. Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the actuator is preferably an elastic component 130, such as a spring 132 or the like, which is configured to move between a relaxed position and an energized position. The actuator 124 is preferably contained within a housing 134, through use of an actuator cover 136 connected to the housing with a plurality of fasteners 137. The housing 134 and cover 136 are preferably within a lower section 138 of the vehicle tray 116. The actuator 124 further includes a plurality of internal mechanisms 140, which are used to connect the actuator 124 to the launch member 126 and release controller 128.

The launch member 126 is coupled to the actuator 124 and configured to move between a ready position 142a and a released position 142b along an upper surface 144 of the vehicle tray 116. The ready position 142a is shown particularly in FIGS. 8, 9, 11, and 15.

The ready position corresponds to the energized position of the actuator 124. The released position, as shown particularly in FIGS. 7 and 10 corresponds to the relaxed position of the actuator 124. The release controller 128 is also coupled to the actuator 124 and configured to activate the actuator 124 from the energized position, corresponding to the launch member ready position. The launch member 126 and the release controller 128 are both activated by application of a force from a finger, for example.

For launching purposes, the vehicle tray 116 may be rotatably positioned to pivot along a longitudinal axis α relative to the base. The longitudinal axis α corresponds to an edge 146 of vehicle tray 116 such that the toy vehicle 118 may be launched on a pair of wheels, as further described below.

The toy vehicle 118 preferably includes at least four wheels, a pair of front wheels 148 and a pair of rear wheels 150. Before the vehicle 118 is positioned on the vehicle tray 116, a user 152 (FIG. 15) will activate the vehicle such that at least one drive wheel 154 is spinning when positioned on the vehicle tray. In in example, the toy vehicle drive wheels may be activated by a battery-powered mechanism or a mechanical-powered mechanism. To facilitate spinning of one or all of the drive wheels 154, the vehicle tray is provided with a relief section 156. Configured in this manner, the activated toy vehicle can be placed and reside on the vehicle tray prior to launch without moving.

The toy vehicle 118 may be launched on all four of its wheels when the vehicle tray is substantially horizontal, i.e., when launched from the vehicle tray all four of the vehicle wheels make contact with the underlying surface beyond the vehicle tray. However, the vehicle tray may also be rotatably and angularly positioned to pivot with respect to a longitudinal axis α relative to the base. With respect to the longitudinal axis α, the vehicle tray may be positioned at an angle β that can range from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees and preferably from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. When the vehicle tray is angularly positioned, the toy vehicle 118 is launched on a pair of wheels, e.g., a front wheel 153 and the rear drive wheel 154. These wheels are positioned on the same side of the vehicle 118 such that the vehicle may perform a stunt-like maneuver upon launching. FIGS. 17-19 show angular positioning of the vehicle tray 116 that will cause the vehicle to perform such a two-wheeled stunt-like maneuver once launched from the vehicle tray.

A method 300 for launching a toy vehicle from an apparatus, includes the steps of operating a vehicle, having at least four wheels, to rotate the one or more drive wheels such that one or more drive wheels are free from contacting the vehicle tray 310, placing the toy vehicle on a vehicle tray connected to a base which is rotatable along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle tray, where the toy vehicle is positioned adjacent to a launch member on the tray in a ready position 320; and activating a release to cause an actuator to move the launch member from the ready position to a released position, where movement of the launch member to the released position causes the toy vehicle to be launched away from the vehicle tray 330. In addition, after the step of activating, the four-wheeled vehicle moves away from the vehicle tray and across a surface adjacent an end of the vehicle tray on two wheels.

Thus, toy vehicle launchers, combinations of toy vehicle transports and launchers, and method of launching toy vehicles are disclosed. While embodiments of toy vehicle launchers have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Toy vehicle launchers, therefore, are not to be restricted except in the spirit of the following claims.

Claims

1. A toy vehicle launch apparatus, comprising:

a base;

a vehicle tray coupled to the base and rotatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the base;

an actuator coupled to the vehicle tray and configured to move between a relaxed position and an energized position;

a launch member coupled to the actuator, wherein the launch member is configured to move between a ready position and a released position along a surface of the vehicle tray; and

a release controller coupled to the actuator to activate the actuator from the energized position that corresponds to the launch member ready position, to the relaxed position that corresponds to the launch member released position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a vehicle disposed on a surface of the vehicle tray and positioned adjacent the launch member in a ready position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein when the vehicle is launched along a length of the vehicle tray by moving the release controller to activate the actuator and move the launch member from ready position to the released position.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vehicle tray is positioned at an angle of from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the base when the vehicle is launched.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein upon launching and exiting the vehicle tray, the vehicle moves away therefrom on two wheels, wherein the two wheels comprise one front wheel and one rear wheel on the same side of the vehicle.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is a member of a vehicle transporter, and wherein the vehicle transporter comprises a number of wheels attached thereto for rolling movement on an underlying surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a spring, the release controller cooperates with a mechanism connected with the spring, and wherein the release controller is configured for movement by finger contact.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising means for retaining the vehicle tray in a rotated position, and for releasing the vehicle tray from the rotated position and onto the base.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, comprising a vehicle, having at least four wheels, disposed on the vehicle tray and launched in the rotated position, the launched vehicle moving away from the vehicle tray on an adjacent surface on two wheels.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a ramp coupled to the base and extending therefrom to an adjacent surface.

11. A combination toy vehicle transport and launch apparatus, comprising:

a base comprising a plurality of wheels connected thereto for rotational movement of the base on an underlying surface;

a vehicle tray connected to the base, wherein the vehicle tray is rotatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the base;

a launch member connected with and disposed along a surface of the vehicle tray;

actuating means connected with the vehicle tray for moving the launch member from a ready position to a released position; and

a vehicle disposed on the surface of the vehicle tray and positioned adjacent the launch member;

wherein when the launch member is actuated from the ready position to the released position and the vehicle is launched along the vehicle tray surface to an adjacent surface.

12. The combination as recited in claim 11, wherein when placed in a launch position the vehicle tray is rotated to an angle of between about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the base.

13. The combination as recited in claim 11, further comprising a release controller connected with the actuating means and disposed on the vehicle tray for actuating the launch member from the ready to released position.

14. The combination as recited in claim 11, wherein the vehicle includes one or more drive wheels and means for rotating the same.

15. The combination as recited in claim 14 wherein when the launch member is in the ready position, the one or more vehicle drive wheels are free from contacting the vehicle tray.

16. A method of launching a toy vehicle from an apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

placing the toy vehicle on a vehicle tray that is connected to a base and rotatable along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle tray, wherein the toy vehicle is positioned adjacent a launch member on the vehicle tray that is in a ready position; and

activating a release to cause an actuator to move the launch member from the ready position to a released position, wherein movement of the launch member to the released position causes the toy vehicle to be launched away from the vehicle tray.

17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein during the step of activating, the toy vehicle moves across a surface adjacent an end of the vehicle tray on two wheels.

18. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein the two wheels comprise a front and a rear drive wheel on the same side of the toy vehicle.

19. The method as recited in claim 16 wherein the toy vehicle comprises one or more drive wheels, and wherein before the step of activating, operating the vehicle to rotate the one or more drive wheels, and wherein the one or more drive wheels are free from contacting the vehicle tray.

20. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein before the step of activating, rotating the vehicle tray to a launch position that is between about 10 to 90 degrees relative to the base.