Abstract: A realistic simulation of the dynamic sounds of a full-sized vehicle are created on a moving R/C Scale Model. A mounting apparatus supports an audio exciter in a model vehicle without any modification to the exciter. A full range of volume of sound may be produced by the exciter without limiting the range of movement of the exciter as volume is increased or decreased. The apparatus may limit the mechanical excursion of the exciter to prevent physical damage to the exciter. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for operating the audio exciter in a model vehicle.

Abstract: A toy vehicle and launcher therefor are disclosed. The toy vehicle includes a freely rotatable roller positioned over a rear portion of the vehicle extending substantially outwardly from an opening accessible generally from above the vehicle, whereby when a generally downward and rearward force is applied to the roller, a forward thrust is imparted to the vehicle propelling the vehicle and driving it in a forward direction. The toy vehicle comprises a chassis, two wheels, snap-fit structure for mounting the wheels to the chassis to rotate about a first axis, the roller, snap-fit structure for mounting the roller to the chassis to rotate about an axis generally above the first axis, and the body which has an opening through which the roller projects. The toy vehicle is also provided with a noise maker. The launcher includes two relatively stiff elongated members of approximately the same size hingedly connected together at respective first ends thereof.

Abstract: A music box subassembly and a vehicle structure which incorporates the music box subassembly in such a way that the vehicle structure is useful both as a toy vehicle and also as a collectible music box. The vehicle structure offers selectable operating options. In one operating option, the music plays as the vehicle rolls, and in the other operating option, the vehicle "freewheels", without playing music which makes it attractive as a toy vehicle. Moreover, the vehicle structure is designed to incorporate a music box which is capable of producing rich, resonant sound of high quality, and to drive the music box with a precision designed to take advantage of the sound producing qualities of the music box. Also, the vehicle structure is designed to produce rich, resonant sound of high tonal quality music in a relatively compact package, which is attractive in both the toy and collectible art.

Abstract: A starter device for a toy drive mechanism that simulates manual starting of a small engine. The starter device includes an input mechanism, operable by a user, for providing a first drive force; a memory mechanism for storing the number of operations of the input mechanism by the user; a sound generating mechanism for producing sounds in response to at least one of the first drive force and a second drive force; a motor mechanism for providing the second drive force in response to at least one of an intermittent input and the number of operations of the input mechanism being a predetermined number; and a mechanism for providing the intermittent input based on operation of said input mechanism and on the second drive force.

Abstract: A baby walker is equipped with a device that produces a sound, such as musical tones, when it is moved about a floor surface. The walker may be moved in response to the urgings of a baby within the walker, or in response to the urgings of another person pulling the walker via a pull-cord detachably connected thereto. The device for producing sound may be a trail-along toy, such as a wheeled xylophone, or may be built into the wheel assemblies of the walker. A cord attaching the trail-along toy to the walker may be grasped by the infant and pulled, without any motion of the walker, to produce a sound. Each wheel of the conveyance is suitably fitted with a sounding device, which may produce a different sound for the turning of each wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle movement warning device particularly designed to deter vehicle theft by emitting a loud clatter if the vehicle is moved without authorization. Advantageously, the device also deters vehicle movement by providing a frictional impediment to movement, without damage to the vehicle. The device includes a pair of waffle surfaces, the first waffle surface being mounting to a wheel for rotation with the wheel. A releasable shift mechanism mounts the second waffle surface to the vehicle in a position for selective shifting movement into and out of engagement with the wheel-mounted waffle surface. Preferably, the shift mechanism comprises a spring biasing the second waffle surface into engagement with the wheel-mounted waffle surface and a solenoid for withdrawing and holding the second waffle surface out of engagement with the wheel-mounted waffle surface.

Abstract: A free-wheeling toy vehicle which when propelled makes a repetitive sound simulating the noise of an internal combustion engine. The vehicle includes a chassis having bearings supporting front and rear wheel axles. Lying on top of the chassis between the axles is a drum having an elastic drum head. Cantilevered from one end of the chassis is a clapper formed of a flat metal spring terminating in a striker, the spring being biased so that the striker normally rests on the drum head. A finger projects downwardly from the clapper, the tip of the finger being successively engaged by the equispaced teeth of a hub mounted on one of the wheel axles and turning therewith. Each time the finger tip is engaged by a moving tooth, the finger is pushed forward to raise the striker above the drum head; and when the finger than falls between adjacent teeth, the striker is released to hit the drum head to generate a thumping sound.

Abstract: A battery motor driven toy has articulated front and rear sections that are extended and contracted about a horizontal pivot in a scissor-like action. Each of the sections carries a surface engaging wheel mounted for rotation only in the forward direction. A biasing force pulls the sections together while the motor drives the sections apart against the biasing force through a gear train that includes gear segments on each section. When the front section is driven, the rear section remains stationary but is pulled forward by the biasing force at the end of the drive cycle while the front remains stationary. Placement of the motor and other weight over the rear wheels results in the vehicle doing a "wheelie" when forward movement of the rear wheels is obstructed so that the front section rises up above the play surface while continuing to extend and retract in a snapping-like action. A counterweighted sound device is mounted under the rear section so that it is activated when the vehicle does a "wheelie".

Abstract: A toy vehicle with a two-part, telescoping, chassis is driven by a battery powered motor. The child manipulates a control lever to energize the motor and produce engine revving sounds and then engage the rear wheels to start the vehicle doing a wheelie. One part of the chassis carries the front axle and wheels along with the motor and batteries plus an elongated resonating tube with a bellows and striking rib at one end adjacent the motor and an angular, open, sound producing end. Beaters driven by the motor strike the rib to produce the engine revving sound. Rear wheels mounted on an axle carried by the other part of the chassis are drivingly engaged with the motor when the two parts are telescoped together. The shift control lever is mounted for pivotal movement into an initial electrical circuit completing contact to energize the motor and later mechanical shifting to telescope the rear axle carrying part towards the motor to engage the motor and rear axle.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is supported on one end by at least one wheel and on the other end by a fly wheel which is capable of being energized by pulling a gear rack across a pinion which is connected to the fly wheel. On one of the side surfaces of the fly wheel, a material is located which, when contacted by a flint, is capable of emitting sparks. A flint holding member is positioned adjacent to the fly wheel with a flint located on the flint holding member so as to contact the material on the side of the fly wheel. In conjunction with rotation of the fly wheel, sparks are emitted from contact of the flint with the material. Thus, as the car is propelled across a support surface by the fly wheel a trail of sparks are given off.