TOY VEHICLE AND LAUNCH PLATFORM

Abstract

A toy vehicle system. The toy vehicle system includes a vehicle having a least one wheel. The vehicle is configured to generate at least one play effect via an effect apparatus of the vehicle responsive to spinning of the at least one wheel. The toy vehicle system includes a launch platform including a wheel spinning mechanism and a launch mechanism. The launch mechanism is configured to propel the vehicle from the launch platform in response to a launch event, and the wheel spinning mechanism configured to spin the at least one wheel of the vehicle prior to the launch event, thereby causing the vehicle to generate the play effect prior to being propelled from the launch platform.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/846,211, filed on Sep. 20, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Toy vehicles have been popular play items for many years. Scaled toy vehicles remain engaging toys for children and have found value as collector items for children and adults. Children enjoy a variety of different toy vehicles and continually seek new toy vehicles with which to play. Also, children enjoy finding new ways to play with toy vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary toy vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows the toy vehicle of FIG. 1 with spinning rear wheels, thereby generating play effects.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary launch platform spinning the rear wheels of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows the toy vehicle of FIG. 1 being launched from the launch platform of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows the toy vehicle and launcher of FIGS. 3 and 4 with associated packaging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a toy vehicle that includes one or more exciting features that are activated by the spinning of one or more of the vehicle's wheels. The spinning wheels can activate engine vibrations, vehicle lighting, sounds, and/or other features. In order to showcase the exciting features of the toy vehicle, a vehicle launcher can be configured to spin the vehicle's wheels while the vehicle remains in a stationary position, thus allowing the exciting vehicle features to be appreciated before the vehicle races away.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary model vehicle 10, which in one example, may be a 1/64 scale toy vehicle. However, various other scales may be used, such as 1/10, 1/50, 1/100, 1/120, 1/200, and others. The model vehicle can be a collectible item, and/or may be a performance vehicle that can be configured to be used on associated tracks and/or other equipment. While FIG. 1 shows an example toy car, the vehicle may be of various types, such as a truck, a station wagon, a sport utility vehicle, a dune buggy, a motorcycle, an 18-wheeler, a dump truck, a bicycle, or any other suitable vehicle.

Toy vehicle 10 is shown in FIG. 1 having spinable front wheels 12 and rear wheels 14. While two sets of wheels (with two wheels each) are shown for an example toy car, the toy vehicle may have more or fewer wheels, which may or may not be in sets. Further, the sets may have more than two wheels, such as, for example, three, four, etc. For example, the toy vehicle may be a motorcycle with a front wheel and a rear wheel. Alternatively, it may be a vehicle having three sets of two wheels.

Furthermore, toy vehicle 10 may include engine 16 having pistons 18. In the illustrated embodiment, engine 16 and pistons 18 are oversized and protrude from a rear portion of vehicle 10 to highlight various engine components. It should be appreciated that the engine may simulate any suitable engine type (e.g., V-6, V-8, V-12, I-6, I-4, etc.). In some embodiments, the engine further may include a supercharger or turbocharger to indicate that the car is fast and/or powerful. Furthermore, the engine may be fantastically oversized beyond an authentic scale compared to the rest of the toy vehicle in order to emphasize the potential power of the engine such that it may elicit excitement in a child.

Toy vehicle 10 may include various other components found on an authentic car. For example, toy vehicle 10 may include various windows, such as a front windshield, side windows, and a rear windshield. Toy vehicle 10 may include different lights, such as brake lights which may be disposed in a rear bumper of vehicle 10, and front head lights disposed in a front bumper of vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the toy vehicle may include an oversized exhaust pipe similar to the oversized engine to emphasize the power of the engine.

Furthermore, toy vehicle 10 may include other authentic automobile exterior components, for example, doors, roof, trunk, side panels, front and rear fenders, gas cap, etc. Also, various aspects of these and other components may be designed to be oversized or extreme to draw a child to play with the toy vehicle.

Note that in some embodiments, the toy vehicle may be painted with bright colors and complex color schemes. Further, the toy vehicle may have various radical exterior decals such as flames, dragons, company logos, or the like. Additionally, the toy vehicle may include highly polished chrome-looking exterior components, such as the engine, fenders, exhaust pipe, wheels, etc.

Note that FIG. 1 shows toy vehicle 10 in an inert state without any of its components moving or operating.

Now turning to FIG. 2, toy vehicle 10 is shown with rear wheels 14 spinning. The spinning of the wheels may cause toy vehicle 10 to produce various play effects. In particular, one or more play effects may be generated via an effect apparatus of toy vehicle 10. The effect apparatus may generate the play effect(s) responsive to spinning of the wheels. For example, the toy vehicle may include an effect apparatus to produce lights, actions, and/or sounds. In the illustrated embodiment, spinning of rear wheels 14 causes several different play effects to be generated. In particular, light is emitted from rear wheels 14 and engine 16. The light may be generated by an effect apparatus within the vehicle. Further, sound is generated by the same (or different) effects apparatus, and pistons 18 pump up and down alternatively. In another example, spinning of the rear wheels may cause an effect apparatus to generate vibrations which may make one or more components of the toy vehicle rumble.

In some embodiments, one or more of the effect apparatuses may be energized from the kinetic energy of the vehicle via the spinning wheels. In some embodiments, one or more of the components can be energized from another source, such as a battery, a photocell, or a charged capacitor. Alternatively, or additionally, an effect apparatus may be in operative communication with the wheels and spinning of the wheels may generate mechanical actuation of the effect apparatus.

Further, as another non-limiting example, a toy vehicle may generate a rumbling play effect that may be cam actuated. In particular, one or more of the vehicle wheels may be linked to an axle. The axle may include one or more cam lobes configured to interact with one or more different mechanical components or systems. The axle may rotate causing the cam lobe to directly interact with the engine component causing the engine to move responsive to the slope of the cam lobe, thus creating a rumble effect. As an example, the cam may be mechanically linked to the engine, and cam motion may be translated into vertical motion at the engine pistons. In another example, the cam lobe may indirectly interact with the engine components via one or more intermediate components. Such intermediate components can translate cam motion to lateral, rocking, and/or tilting engine motion. In some embodiments, the engine may include one or more ramped surfaces to engage the cams and/or intermediate components, so that vertical forces can be translated into forces with horizontal elements.

In some embodiments, a plurality of cam lobes with different shape profiles may be disposed on the axle. The different cam profiles may provide a varied rumble or vibration sequence that may be repeated as the wheels spin. Furthermore, in some embodiments the mechanical rumble action of the engine component may be gear driven where different sized gears may transmit motion to create lift and/or lateral motion to the engine component during wheel spin. Note that in some embodiments other vehicle components may rumble or vibrate due to cam actuation. For example, the exhaust pipe, hood, trunk, and/or roof, among others.

In another non-limiting example, a toy vehicle may generate play effects via electronic effect apparatuses and/or other electronic components, which may optionally be cam driven and/or cam initiated. Further, the toy vehicle may include one or more cam lobes disposed on an axle, where the cam lobes may be configured to interact with one or more different electronic effect apparatuses.

For example, during wheel spin the axle may rotate causing the cam lobes to repeatedly come into contact with one or more electrical contact pad(s) of an effect apparatus. When the cam lobes make contact with the contact pad(s), an electric circuit may be completed which in turn may activate lights, actions, and/or sounds. In some embodiments, the repeated contact pattern of the cam lobe(s) with the contact pad(s) may create an operational sequence, such as flashing lights for example. The speed of the sequence may be dictated by the rate of rotation of the axle (i.e. wheel spin speed). Further, in some embodiments, the electrical components may be non-operational when the cam lobes do not interact with the contact pads.

In another example, the cam may interact with an electrical component (e.g. complete an electrical circuit) or toggle a switch to activate one or more electronic effect apparatuses. In particular, the cam may trigger a sequence of different flashing lights for a period of time. Also, the cam may trigger a sound box to play a sound clip for a period of time. Further, the cam may trigger an electronic vibration mechanism to operate for a period of time. Note that in some embodiments one or more of the play effects may be linked to the same trigger. Further, in some embodiments, two or more different electronic effect apparatuses may be triggered independently.

Further, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments a toy vehicle may include both electronic and mechanical effect apparatuses that may be actuated and/or initiated by a cam. Also, mechanical and/or electrical systems can be actuated by a mechanism that does not utilize a cam.

Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the direction that the wheels spin does not dictate the output or operation of different components. However, in some embodiments, spinning the wheels in a forward direction may initiate one set of play effects to be generated, and spinning the wheels in rearward direction may initiate a second set of play effects to be generated. In some embodiments, spinning the wheels in a particular direction, for example, a reverse direction may not activate any play effects.

In some embodiments, different vehicle components may emit light at various levels or may have a particular level of translucency to emit light. For example, the side windows and rear windshield may be slightly tinted or toned a particular color, while the front windshield may be substantially translucent to simulate the window configuration of an authentic car with tinted windows. As another example, the windows may be tinted different colors or the same color. Furthermore, the windows may be tinted bright colors such that light projected through the windows may be brightly colored. Additionally, other automobile light components may have different color tints. For example, brake lights may be colored red while head lights may be colored clear, yellow, or blue, for example. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the toy vehicle may include lights throughout the vehicle. For example, lights may be located within the cabin of the vehicle, in the front bumper, in the engine, on an exterior light rack, in side panels, in the wheels, etc. Further, light may be emitted from different areas of the vehicle at different times to create light patterns, such as a flashing light pattern, for example.

In some embodiments, the light emitting components may be substantially clear in order to accurately emit colored lights within the toy vehicle during operation. Any suitable light producing unit, may be used, for example light emitting diodes may be used because they may be produced in various sizes and colors and have a long operational life span and relatively low energy requirements. However, other light sources may additionally or alternatively be used.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to utilize translucent or transparent wheels so that light can shine through the wheels. For example, one or more of the front and/or rear wheels may have certain translucent or transparent aspects. Light may be applied to all wheels at the same time, to one wheel at a time, to only the front wheels, to only the back wheels, to only the left wheels, to only the right wheels, or in a predetermined or random order to various individual wheels or combinations of wheels.

In some embodiments, an entire tire portion of the wheel may be translucent, and light may be applied to the entire translucent portion. In other embodiments, light may be applied to only portions of the wheels. For example, a wheel may include one or more light emitting diodes. Furthermore, the toy vehicle may include different light configurations that may produce different lighting effects.

As discussed above, spinning the wheels of toy vehicle 10 may produce play effects such as causing various portions of the vehicle to light up. As another example, spinning the wheels may cause selected vehicle components to vibrate or rumble. More particularly, engine 16 may vibrate and/or pistons 18 may pump up and down to simulate that the engine is running and/or revving. Furthermore, the engine vibrations may cause the rest of the toy vehicle to rumble. In some embodiments, vibration may be generated by other vehicle components besides the engine, such as the exhaust tailpipe for example. Vibration or rumbling may be produced at various rates to simulate various engine speeds. Further, a vibration routine or looped rumble sequence may be carried out to indicate idling, revving, and/or opening the throttle wide open.

As discussed above, spinning the wheels of toy vehicle 10 may also produce sounds. The sounds emitted from toy vehicle 10 may include automobile related sounds, nonlimiting examples of which include engine noise, horns, screeching or skidding tires, etc. Furthermore, the sounds may include music, such as popular songs and/or race themed songs. Songs may relate to a theme of a toy vehicle. For example, a motorcycle vehicle may play the song “Bad to the Bone” when its wheels spin. As another example, a toy vehicle fashioned after the “Batmobile” may play the “Batman” theme song. Additionally, sounds may be voices speaking different phrases. For example, when the toy vehicle's wheels spin, a voice may say “Start your engines!!!” In some embodiments, the voice that speaks the phrase may correspond to a fictional character or actual person that is associated with a theme of the toy vehicle. In still other embodiments, cross advertising may be used to promote various other toy related products. For example, a toy vehicle may be used in an associated television show, and the toy vehicle may play the theme song of the television show.

Note that in some embodiments the emitted sounds may be synchronized or timed to correspond with the flashing of the lights and/or vibrations of toy vehicle 10. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments one or more of the lights, actions, or sounds may be non-operational during wheel spin or omitted from toy vehicle 10 all together. In one particular example, the toy vehicle may include a selector that is configured to switch the configuration of the play effects produced responsive to spinning of the wheels of the vehicle. For example, the selector may switch between two modes. The first mode may generate lights and sound and the second mode may generate lights, sounds, and vibrations. As another example, the selector may switch toggle between a mode where play effects are generated and a mode where no play effects are generated. It should be appreciated that the toy vehicle may have any suitable number of play effect configurations and that the selector may select between the different play effect configurations.

FIGS. 3 and 4 somewhat schematically show toy vehicle 10 interacting with an exemplary launcher or launch platform. Referring to FIG. 3, toy vehicle 10 may be positioned on launch platform 30. Launch platform 30 may include wheel spin mechanism 32 that may be configured to spin at least one wheel of toy vehicle 10 while retaining toy vehicle 10 on launch platform 30. Wheel spin mechanism 32 may include rollers 34 that may be partially disposed in the surface of launch platform 30, such that toy vehicle 10 may be positioned on roller 34 and orientated in a position where toy vehicle 10 may be launched from the launch platform 30. Rollers 34 may be spinable such that the wheels on toy vehicle 10 may spin in a particular direction, thus causing toy vehicle 10 to generate play effects. Rollers 34 may spin in response to actuation of spin trigger 36. In the illustrated embodiment, spin trigger 36 is a lever that may be pulled downward to wind a set of internal gears in operative communication with rollers 34. Upon release of the lever, the wound gears may unwind causing the rollers to spin. In particular, when the wheels of the toy vehicle contact the spinning roller, friction between the wheels and the rollers may cause the wheels to start spinning. Furthermore, directional force produced by the rollers may be transferred to the wheels causing the wheels to keep spinning. The rollers may include material or texture to increase friction between the wheels and the rollers. For example, the rollers may be rubberized and may be textured with ridges to grip the wheels of the toy vehicle.

In some embodiments, the wheel spin mechanism may be electrically actuated. For example, the rollers may be connected to an electric motor that upon excitation may spin the rollers. In such a configuration, the wheel spin mechanism may be activated by any suitable type of selector, for example a radio button, toggle switch, dial, etc.

Toy vehicle 10 may be retained on launch platform 30 by wheel retainers 38 during actuation of wheel spin mechanism 32. Wheel retainers 38 may protrude from the surface of launch platform 30 and may be shaped to fit the contour of the front wheels 12 of toy vehicle 10. Thus, even if the rear wheels of the toy vehicle spin via the wheel spin mechanism, forward motion of the vehicle may be inhibited by the wheel retainers and the toy vehicle may be retained on the launch platform. By retaining the toy vehicle in the launch platform while spinning the wheels of the toy vehicle, the play effects can be easily viewed, thus increasing the enjoyment of a child.

Note that although the rollers are not described as spinning in a particular direction, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments the rollers may spin in a counter clockwise direction or a clockwise direction. Furthermore, the wheel spin mechanism may be configured to spin the rollers in a first direction and then in a second direction in the case where a toy vehicle is configured to perform different sets of play effects based on the direction that the wheels spin.

In an alternative embodiment, the launch platform may include a launch surface with slots for each wheel of the toy vehicle. The slots may provide access points for the wheels to contact an internal belt drive which may spin the wheels of toy vehicle 10 in order to generate play effects while maintaining the toy vehicle in a stationary position.

Launch platform 30 may include safety 46 disposed on the underside of launch platform 30. Safety 46 may be in operative communication with launch mechanism 40 (shown in FIG. 4). Safety 46 may be configured to move between a first position where safety 46 protrudes from the underside of launch platform 30 and a second position where safety 46 retracts into the underside of launch platform 30. Safety 46 may be moved from the first position to the second position upon launch platform 30 being placed on a surface. Upon safety 46 being in the first position, safety 46 may prevent launch mechanism 40 from actuating and thus prevent toy vehicle 10 from being launched from launch platform 30. Upon safety 46 being in the second position, safety 46 may not inhibit launch mechanism 40 from actuating and thus permits toy vehicle 10 to be launched from launch platform 30. In one example, safety 46 may include a two stage catch connected to launch arm 42. The two stage catch may permit launch arm 42 to actuate partially when safety 46 is in the first position and may permit launch arm 42 to actuate fully when safety 46 is in the second position. Safety 46 may prevent actuation of launch mechanism 40 and the launch of toy vehicle 10 from launch platform 30 when launch platform 30 is not placed on a surface. In this way, unintentional launch of toy vehicle 10 from launch platform 30 may be inhibited.

FIG. 4 shows toy vehicle 10 being launched from launch platform 30. Toy vehicle 10 may be launched from launch platform 30 via a launch mechanism 40 that may provide lateral force to propel toy vehicle 10 forward off of the launch platform. Launch mechanism 40 may include launch arm 42 that may be spring biased and may generate lateral force to propel toy vehicle 10 via release of the spring force. Furthermore, launch mechanism 40 may be activated by launch trigger 44 which may be any suitable selector, such as for example, a toggle switch, ripcord, trigger, radio button, dial, etc. In particular, launch arm 42 may be retracted and held in a spring loaded position, and upon depression of launch trigger 44, launch arm 42 may be released and the spring force may cause launch arm 42 to move forward and apply a launching force the rear of toy vehicle 10. Launch arm 42 may contact toy vehicle 10 with enough force to thrust toy vehicle 10 forward off of rollers 34. Launch trigger 44 may be in operative communication with wheel retainers 38, such that depressing launch trigger 42 causes wheel retainers 38 to lower below the surface of launch platform 30. By lowering the wheel retainers when the launch trigger is depressed, the wheel retainers may not inhibit the toy vehicle from being propelled from the launch platform, thus improving the launch of the toy vehicle from the platform.

As discussed above, safety 46 may be configured to enable launch arm 42 to fully extend to apply a launching force to toy vehicle 10 when the safety is in a retracted position within the launch platform. In the illustrated embodiment, launch platform 30 is shown placed on a surface with safety 46 retracted into launch platform 30. Thus, the launch arm may not be inhibited and may extend to launch the toy vehicle from the launch platform.

In some embodiments, the launch mechanism may generate an alternative type of propulsion to launch the toy vehicle from the launch platform. For example, the launch mechanism may generate air pressure to propel the toy vehicle from the launch platform.

In some embodiments, the launch platform may be configured such that depressing the launch trigger may start a launch sequence where the wheel spin mechanism is activated to demonstrate the play effects (e.g. lights, actions, and sounds) produced by the toy vehicle based on wheel spin prior to launch of the toy vehicle from the launch platform. This demonstration may be automatically followed by triggering of the launch arm causing the toy vehicle to be thrust forward off of the launch platform.

In some embodiments, the launch platform may generate lights, actions, and sounds or other play effects similar to the toy vehicle during activation of the wheel spin mechanism, the launch mechanism, and/or a launch sequence. For example, the launch platform may generate a countdown sequence with lights and/or sound. Further, the launch mechanism may rumble prior to launch.

In still other embodiments, the launch mechanism may include a plurality of buttons to trigger different sequences and/or generate different lights, actions, and sounds or other play effects.

It should be appreciated that the combination of toy vehicle 10 and launch mechanism 40 may substantially improve the play value of the toy vehicle 10 by providing a launch mechanism that highlights the exciting aspects of toy vehicle 10, namely, the lights, actions, sounds, and/or additional or alternative play effects, that come to life when the vehicle wheels spin. The launch platform also provides a mechanism for launching the toy vehicle at exciting speeds. While launch mechanism 40 is provided as a nonlimiting example, it should be understood that other mechanisms may be used to launch the vehicle after a spinning mechanism has spun up the vehicle's wheels and caused the dynamic features of the vehicle to come to life.

FIG. 5 shows toy vehicle 10 and launch platform 30 in an example package 50. Package 50 is shown as it might appear to a consumer at a retail store. For display purposes at a point of sale, package 50 may be configured to stand on a shelf, hang from a rack or be stacked. Package 50 may be shaped and positioned/orientated to facilitate access to launch platform 30, and more specifically to spin trigger 36. The access portion generally referenced at 52 may be large enough for a consumer to actuate spin trigger 36 in order to demonstrate the play effects of toy vehicle 10.

The design of package 50 may potentially improve the marketing and profitability of toy vehicle 10 and launch platform 30 by allowing a consumer to demonstrate or test the playable aspects of toy vehicle 10 and launch platform 30 before purchase. Specifically, access portion 52 may enable a consumer to trigger wheel spin of toy vehicle 10 in order to demonstrate the lights, actions, and sounds generated by toy vehicle 10. Furthermore, package 50 may include instructions that direct a consumer to test the playable aspects of toy vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, package 50 may include the phrase “TRY ME” presented in bold letters and bright colors located in proximity to access portion 52 in order to draw the attention of a consumer to demonstrate the play effect of toy vehicle 10 and/or launch platform 30. In some embodiments, the package may further include product features that correspond to the playable aspects of the toy vehicle and further may communicate them to a consumer.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shape of the package may correspond to playable aspects or significant features of the toy vehicle. For example, the package may be shaped like an oversized engine that may be graphically displayed on the package. The graphical design and corresponding package cutouts may draw attentions to the playable aspects of the toy vehicle. In this example, the oversized engine may be associated with the lights, actions, and sounds that may be produced by the oversized engine in the toy vehicle.

In this way, marketing of the toy vehicle and launch platform may be improved by providing access to demonstrate or test the playable aspects of the toy vehicle and the launch platform, namely, spinning the wheels to produce lights, actions and sounds. In addition, the shape of the package and corresponding graphics may further highlight the playable aspects of the toy vehicle, thus potentially persuading a consumer to purchase the toy vehicle.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its example form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein.

Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed. Such claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to any original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A toy vehicle system, comprising:

a vehicle having a least one wheel, the vehicle configured to generate at least one play effect via an effect apparatus of the vehicle responsive to spinning of the at least one wheel; and

a launch platform including a wheel spinning mechanism and a launch mechanism, the launch mechanism configured to propel the vehicle from the launch platform in response to a launch event, and the wheel spinning mechanism configured to spin the at least one wheel of the vehicle prior to the launch event, thereby causing the vehicle to generate the play effect prior to being propelled from the launch platform.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle being propelled from the launch platform via the launch mechanism causes spinning of the at least one wheel thereby causing the vehicle to generate the play effect during travel of the vehicle away from the launch platform.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the toy vehicle includes a light and the at least one play effect includes illuminating the light.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the toy vehicle includes a sound generator, and the at least one play effect includes generating sounds with the sound generator.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the toy vehicle includes at least one moveable piston, and the at least one play effect includes reciprocating the piston.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the effect apparatus is electrically powered.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the effect apparatus is cam actuated.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the launch mechanism includes a spring and the vehicle is propelled via spring force generated from release of the spring.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the launch platform further includes a ramp portion configured to position the vehicle at an angle with a rear portion of the vehicle above a front portion of the vehicle.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the launch mechanism is configured to retain the vehicle on the ramp portion prior to the launch event.

11. A launch platform for a toy vehicle having at least one wheel, the launch platform comprising:

an inclined ramp surface for supporting the toy vehicle;

a stop to selectively restrict movement of the toy vehicle down the inclined ramp surface;

a roller assembly to spin the at least one wheel of the toy vehicle while the toy vehicle remains stationary on the inclined ramp surface;

a launch arm to selectively exert a launching force to the toy vehicle;

a launch trigger to activate the launch arm to exert a launching force to the toy vehicle, the launch trigger also releasing the stop to allow the toy vehicle to move down the inclined ramp surface.

12. The launch platform of claim 11, further comprising:

a spin trigger to activate the roller assembly to spin the at least one wheel of the toy vehicle.

13. The launch platform of claim 12, wherein the spin trigger includes a lever in operative communication with a gear set to spin the roller assembly, the gear set being wound in response to the lever traveling in a first direction, and the gear set unwinding and spinning the roller assembly in response to the lever traveling in a second direction.

14. The launch platform of claim 11, further comprising a launch safety having a first orientation and a second orientation, in the first orientation the launch safety inhibiting the launch arm from exerting a launching force to the toy vehicle, and in the second orientation the launch safety allowing the launch arm to exert a launching force to the toy vehicle.

15. The launch platform of claim 14, wherein the launch safety is located on the underside of the launch platform, wherein, in the first orientation, the launch safety protrudes from the underside of the launch platform, and wherein, in the second orientation, the launch safety is retracted from the underside of the launch platform.

16. The launch platform of claim 11, wherein the launch arm is spring biased and activation of the launch arm by the launch trigger exerts spring force to the toy vehicle.

17. The launch platform of claim 11, wherein the stop is configured to retract below the inclined ramp surface in response to activation of the launch trigger.

18. A toy vehicle system, comprising:

a toy vehicle having at least one wheel and an engine with a plurality of pistons, the vehicle configured to reciprocate the plurality of pistons and generate light from the engine and the at least one wheel responsive to spinning of the at least one wheel; and

a launch platform including an inclined ramp surface for supporting the toy vehicle, a stop to selectively restrict movement of the toy vehicle down the inclined ramp surface, a roller assembly to spin the at least one wheel of the toy vehicle while the toy vehicle remains stationary on the inclined ramp surface, a spin trigger to activate the roller assembly to spin the at least one wheel of the toy vehicle, a launch arm to selectively exert a launching force to the toy vehicle, a launch trigger to activate the launch arm to exert a launching force to the toy vehicle, the launch trigger also releasing the stop to allow the toy vehicle to move down the inclined ramp surface.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the toy vehicle is further configured to generate sound in response to spinning of the at least one wheel.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein the plurality of pistons reciprocate via cam actuation.