Abstract: A toy car launcher includes a base which carries a combination of pulleys which cause a slide in an elongated track to be rapidly propelled down a track when a pair of handles are pulled. A car placed on the track is propelled by the slide down the track, gaining velocity until it exits the track and continues its travel. The track is hinged to ease transport and storage.

Abstract: A talking book including a power source, switches, voice chips and speaker, all of which are mounted within the book and act together to "read" the words written on pages of the book. The switches are pressure-sensitive types, and marked areas on the pages are pressed in order to activate the switches and the chips in order to produce words or other sounds.

Abstract: A ball for throwing having a generally spherical shape and balance has an axis, first and second convex surfaces defined about the axis at opposite poles, and at least one groove having a non-uniform depth defined in the surface of the ball between the first and second convex surfaces. The groove is arranged to extend through the equatorial region of the ball, between the first and second convex surfaces.

Abstract: A collapsible construction set comprises a plurality of parts, each of which includes at least one integrally formed connector. A plurality of connector designs are provided. A first design includes a tapered receptacle and a stabilizing pin at the center of the receptacle. A second design includes a tapered end which fits in the receptacle and a hole which receives the stabilizing pin. A third design includes a ledge which forms a recess, and a fourth design includes a hook which engages the ledge and extends into the recess. The ledge of the third design is preferably formed adjacent the receptacle of the first design, and the second design preferably also includes at least one flange which overlies and holds a hook of the fourth design. To dismember the parts of a structure, a tapered end is moved out of the tapered receptacle until the stabilizing pin disengages from the hole, and then all of the parts of the structure topple.

Abstract: A launcher for a soft compressible closed cell foam ball which includes a cavity in which the ball is forced into from the front of the barrel and is held loosely therein and a plunger coupled to the barrel for causing the ball to be compressed and then spring out of the cavity accompanied by a loud popping sound.

Abstract: A basketball hoop and bracket for attaching the hoop to the upper edge of a door or other elevated structure embodying an upper edge over which the bracket can be suspended the bracket taking the form of a U-shaped hanger embodying spaced, parallel legs spaced apart a distance greater than the thickness of the door for mounting astride the upper edge of the door and a coupling element adjustably mounted to one leg of the hanger for clamping engagement with the door.

Abstract: A cap firing mechanism for use with a cap strip and in a toy having a wall and a housing, and comprising an anvil mounted on the wall and a firing mechanism mounted in the housing. The mechanism includes a mounting pin connected to the housing, and a hammer mounted on the pin. A hammer spring connected to the hammer urges the hammer against the anvil in order to fire a cap between the hammer and the anvil. An extended portion of the hammer is manually engageable in order to swing the hammer away from the anvil, and the hammer spring returns the hammer against the anvil when the extended portion is released. An advance wheel is mounted on the pin adjacent the hammer, and an advance mechanism connects the hammer with the advance wheel. The advance mechanism turns the wheel in one direction to advance the cap strip between the anvil and the hammer, the movement of the hammer operating to rotate the advance wheel. The wheel holds the strip during the firing of a cap.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed including a gear changing mechanism for use in conjunction with a flywheel driving device. The mechanism comprises a gear changing lever pivotally mounted to a frame by means of a pin. The lever is biased in one direction by means of a first spring member to hold the axle of an idle gear in engagement with one end of an elongated opening formed in the frame. The gear changing lever is adapted to pivot by a depressing action against the force of the first spring member to disengage the idle gear axle from the one end of the elongated opening so as to allow a second spring member to urge the idle gear axle against the other end of the elongated opening.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed including a gear changing mechanism for use in conjunction with a flywheel driving device. The mechanism comprises a gear changing lever pivotally mounted to a frame by means of a pin. The lever is biased in one direction by means of a first spring member to hold the axle of an idle gear in engagement with one end of an elongated opening formed in the frame. The gear changing lever is adapted to pivot by a depressing action against the force of the first spring member to disengage the idle gear axle from the one end of the elongated opening so as to allow a second spring member to urge the idle gear axle against the other end of the elongated opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a demountable wheel suitable for use on toy vehicles. The demountable wheel includes a first member that is rotatably mounted in a permanent or semi-permanent arrangement on an axle. The wheel has a second member including a tire which is demountably supported on the first member.

Abstract: A toy building is disclosed including a base member, a plurality of spaced posts are mounted on the base member and frictionally engaged with appropriately located projections. The support posts have channels in which projections extending from the base are gripped and also the ends of wall panels are engaged. The channels may have restricted zones which serve to engage the wall panels. A roof structure is superimposed over the posts and wall panels. The toy building may further include simulated overhead doors for the building, as well as, gas pumps, hoists and the like which are mounted on the base member.

Abstract: A wheel suitable for use on toy vehicles. The wheel has a tire which is mountable and demountable with respect to such toy vehicle. The wheel includes a first member that is rotatably mounted in a permanent or semi-permanent arrangement on an axle. The wheel has a second member including a tire which is demountably supported on the first member. The first member has a locking mechanism which cooperates with a portion of the second member to prevent unintended rotation of the first member with respect to the second member.

Abstract: The toy camping trailer includes a trailer box supported on a pair of wheels. The trailer has a two-piece pivotal top which may be collapsed to a travel position or raised to a camping use position. One top piece may include an open zone to permit access to the interior of the trailer while in the camping use position.

Abstract: A toy fire engine is disclosed including a body, wheel and axle assembly, aerial ladder, ladder support and loose ladder. The ladder support may include a turret for pivotal support of the ladder about a vertical axis. The fire engine body may include a ladder carrier which limits sideward movement and linear movement of a loose ladder when disposed in the carrier.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed which may resemble a jeep. The toy vehicle may include a chassis, an inside compartment, wheels and a top. The inside compartment may have seats, wall panels and a floor. The compartment may serve to enclose various raw edges of the chassis. The top may include support posts which rest on the chassis.