Abstract: A toy vehicle playset includes a trackway having a vehicle launcher coupled to a looped track portion and a dual tank unit positioned within the travel path of the toy vehicle through the trackway. The trackway further includes an exit ramp on the opposite side of the dual tank unit from the track loop which is coupled to a toy vehicle catcher and a display area. The dual tank unit includes a pair of tank portions separated by an intervening wall. The dual tank unit is supported within the trackway travel path such that either tank portion is alternatively positionable within the travel path of the toy vehicle. The playset further includes a multiply articulated robot arm supporting one or more thermally conductive tools or stamps which are immersible within the proximate one of the dual water tanks and appliable to the surface of the toy vehicle when resting in the toy vehicle catcher.

Abstract: A toy vehicle has a drive wheel and a flywheel that are coupled together by a slip clutch which includes a flexible pawl extended from the drive wheel to the surface of the flywheel so that the drive wheel may be grasped and brought to an immediate stop without injury. The toy vehicle cooperates with the energizer-launcher so that the toy vehicle is spring catapulted therefrom upon release thereof. The energizer-launcher has a pistol grip handle with trigger for one-handed aiming and launching of the vehicle and a pull cord for accelerating the flywheel and drive wheel while the launcher is being held by the pistol grip handle. A tachometer may be provided on the energizer-launcher. The toy vehicle further may have a spark generator on the drive wheel which is activated by the rotation of the drive wheel after the vehicle is launched.

Abstract: A new type of simulated volcano toy is described. It uses a formed mold to create the outer shell of the volcano. A tubular insert is used to ensure the center opening is properly formed. Once the shell is made, a disk is placed at the bottom of the eruption tube. A length of ribbon or string is placed through slots formed in the disk. The ribbon ends are placed out of the eruption tube and are allowed to fall over the sides of the shell. The eruption tube can then be filled with whatever the user desires. For example, candy, plastic pellets, confetti, small toys etc. The user then grasps the ribbon ends and pulls them sharply. This causes the disk in the bottom to be quickly pulled up, out of the eruption tube. As the disk is being pulled upward, all of the material placed over the disk in the eruption tube is thrown upwards and out of the eruption tube by the disk. This creates an "eruption" that is entertaining.

Abstract: A confetti launching wand is disclosed in which the wand comprises a relatively short barrel portion which contains the confetti, preferably in the form of a stack or bundle, and the barrel portion is connected to a relatively long handle portion. In some embodiments the barrel portions may be separable from the handle portion and may be replaced by other barrel portions designed to launch multiple bundles of confetti in different, non-parallel trajectories, and/or the handle and barrel portions may be composed of biodegradable materials such as paper and cardboard. Tapered barrels are also disclosed which may be composed of deformable materials such as thin plastic, rubber or plastic foam, or rolled cardboard or paper.

Abstract: A rocket (100) is disclosed having a body (101) with a bay (102) therein and a hatch (109) which is movable between a bay opened position and a bay closed position by a spring biased hinge (110). The hatch is pivotally coupled to a nose section (104) by a spring biased hinge (11). The hatch is configured to be engaged and disengaged with a catch (118) mounted to the rocket body. With the initial forward movement of the launched rocket the inertia and/or the force of the wind upon the nose section causes the disengagement of the catch whereby the continued movement of the rocket creates a wind upon the nose section which maintains the hatch in its bay closed position.

Abstract: A rocket launcher (18) is disclosed having a pressure chamber (74) coupled to a pump (66) through a pressure tube (67) and a release valve assembly (87) having a manifold (78) in fluid communication with the pressure chamber. The manifold has a plunger (79) therein which is slidable between a first position storing pressurized air within the pressure chamber and a second position releasing pressurized air from the pressure chamber and into a launch tube (76).

Abstract: An air driven sound generating toy includes a support base having a bellows housing secured thereto. A bellows chamber is supported within the bellows housing and is coupled to a collapsible resilient air bellows. A tube receptacle is supported by the base and operatively coupled to the bellows chamber. A pair of check valves are supported within the bellows chamber to provide a stream of pressurized air into the tube receptacle as the bellows is successively collapsed and expanded. An elongated hollow sounding tube includes opposed end portions each couplable to the tube receptacle in an alternative attachment. A quantity of malleable play material is received within the interior passage of the sound tube and is caused to move upwardly through the sound tube as the air bellows is operated to produce pressurized air within the tube receptacle and sound tube.

Abstract: A new type of simulated volcano toy is described. It uses a formed mold to create the outer shell of the volcano. A tubular insert is used to ensure the center opening is properly formed. Once the shell is made, a disk is placed at the bottom of the eruption tube. A length of ribbon or string is placed through slots formed in the disk. The ribbon ends are placed out of the eruption tube and are allowed to fall over the sides of the shell. The eruption tube can then be filled with whatever the user desires. For example, candy, plastic pellets, confetti, small toys etc. The user then grasps the ribbon ends and pulls them sharply. This causes the disk in the bottom to be quickly pulled up, out of the eruption tube. As the disk is being pulled upward, all of the material placed over the disk in the eruption tube is thrown upwards and out of the eruption tube by the disk. This creates an "eruption" that is entertaining.

Abstract: A multi-ball drop toy assembly comprising a flexible harness for holding elastically deformable balls in a vertical, spaced-apart array, which when dropped, permits the uppermost ball of the array, to escape the harness after collision with its adjacent ball.

Abstract: A system (10) simultaneously directs compressed fluid to a turbine while compressing fluid to disengage a locking mechanism that restrains movement of the toy vehicle (11). A primary tube (20), attached to the toy vehicle body (12), forms a primary chamber (22) which receives a plug in the form of a secondary tube (30) that seals the primary chamber (22). A fluid may be compressed into the primary chamber (22) through the inserted plug (30). The interior of the inserted tube (30) forms a secondary chamber (32) which encases a hollow piston (40). Fluid is compressed into the primary chamber (22) and secondary chamber (32) through the hollow piston (40). The hollow piston (40) also forms a part of a locking mechanism which maintains a latch (60), the primary tube (20) and the secondary tube (30) in contact with one another until pressurized fluid in the primary chamber (22) forces the piston (40) away from the latch (60).

Abstract: A locomotive control simulator attachment for a model train controller having a protruding throttle control shaft reciprocally rotatable for regulating the speed of the train includes a support adapted to be attached to the controller, mechanism, such as a pinion gear and rack combination, that is engageable with the throttle control shaft for reciprocally rotating the shaft, a throttle control lever simulating a locomotive throttle, mechanism for mounting the lever on the support for reciprocal pivotal movement of the lever, and mechanism for connecting the lever to the mechanism engageable with the shaft, for operating the latter mechanism to reciprocally rotate the shaft upon reciprocal pivotal movement of the lever, whereby in regulating the speed of a model train, the lever movement simulates the movement of a full-scale railroad locomotive throttle.

Abstract: A toy includes a toy vehicle and a launching assembly for launching the vehicle. The vehicle includes a rotatable sparking mechanism and a drive gear for rotating the sparking mechanism. The launching assembly includes an inclined ramp for receiving the vehicle and a gear train having a drive gear extending upwardly through an aperture in the inclined ramp. The drive gear intermeshes with the vehicle drive gear when the vehicle is received on the ramp. The launching assembly further includes a plunger mounted for engagement with the rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is received on the ramp, and a spring for normally biasing the plunge to an extended position. The gear train is driven by a pivotable lever mounted on the shaft of an actuator gear. Pivoting of the lever rotates the drive gear thereby rotating the sparking mechanism to generate sparks.

Abstract: A toy vehicle launcher which has a vehicle that can slide along a track. The launcher includes a string which extends along each side of a longitudinal axis of the track. The string is attached to a pair of handles which can be pulled so that the string engages the vehicle and propels the same along the track. Both the track and vehicle have corresponding T shaped features which capture and maintain the vehicle on the track.

Abstract: A toy vehicle crash center play set includes a base mounting three separate upright walls. Two of the walls are interchangeable at the center and lateral side positions along one edge of the base. One interchangeable wall includes a mechanical impact meter with a horizontally movable target and a linkage coupled impact indicator. The second interchangeable wall includes four pivotally mounted wall panels having irregular perimeters which interfit with one another and rotate apart as a "break away" wall. A separate launcher including a base, a hand-operated actuator coupled to the base and a carrier movably driven along the base by the actuator, is provided and releasably engages with depressions provided at various positions in the base. Additional elements which are provided for mounting to the base and/or walls include different toy vehicle components, signposts, mailbox and parking meter and a pair of upright supports.

Abstract: A toy airplane and launcher assembly comprises a rubber band powered toy airplane having a propeller at its front end, a winding coupler disposed at its rear end, and a pair longitudinally aligned sleeves mounted to its belly. A rubber band extends between the propeller shaft and the winding coupler shaft. A pistol-shaped launcher includes a handle and with an elongated guide rod extending therefrom. The guide rod is sized to be received through the aligned sleeves of the airplane to mount the plane on the launcher and a latch releasable latches the plane in place when the guide rod is fully received through the sleeves. A coil spring extends about the guide rod and is progressively compressed as the plane is mounted on the launcher to catapult the plane from the launcher when the latch is released.

Abstract: The present invention involves a pressurized air propelled rocket and rocket launcher toy device. The launcher has a housing which includes a vessel for holding pressurized air therein, an inlet to the vessel and an outlet from the vessel. Also, the housing has a jet tube extending from the outlet and adapted to connect with a rocket. A pump is connected to the vessel inlet of the housing, the pump is connected for and capable of pumping air into the vessel at a pressure sufficient to launch the rocket assembly. A one way valve is connected to the pump and permits the flow of air only from the pump to the vessel. There is a rocket double action, rapid fire release mechanism located in the housing with a first valve which, when released, causes a decrease in pressure to cause a second valve to open. The opening of the second valve releases pressurized air into the rocket to launch it. In preferred embodiments, there is also included a safety mechanism to prevent horizontal or lateral launching.

Abstract: Projectile launching toys include a surface suitably configured to support and guide a projectile, a lever pivotally mounted so as to traverse a portion of the surface in the direction the projectile is being guided, a manual actuator coupled to the lever to manually move the lever from an initial position to a second, pivoted position to launch the projectile and a return member coupled with the lever to automatically return the lever to its original position after being manually moved and released.

Abstract: A device for scattering confetti includes an inverted pocket positioned within the interior of an inflated envelope. Confetti is contained within the pocket, and a break-away closure maintains the confetti within the pocket. Upon compressing the envelope, the pocket is reversed in position, the closure ruptured, and the confetti is suddenly expelled in an explosive manner with a concomitant popping sound.

Abstract: A toy dragster includes a body supported at its front end by a pointed skate and at its rearward end by a curved acetate bouncer. A wingplate extends downwardly from the rearward end of the body, and the bottom of the wingplate supports the back end of the curved bouncer. Together, the bouncer and the skate support the dragster above a smooth racing surface. A blast of air directed at the wingplate propels the dragster along a smooth surface at a high rate of speed.

Abstract: A projectile toy includes an elongate body having an internal cavity, to include wing plates that are arranged for pivotment from a first position positioned within the cavity to a second position directed exteriorly of the cavity in a timed relationship to project the wings from the body upon directing the toy from a catapult alone or in combination with a propulsion member.

Abstract: A loop feature for propelled toy vehicles includes a generally vertically oriented single loop having a movable ingress portion and a movable egress portion. A propelled toy vehicle enters the loop upon engaging one surface of the ingress portion. Player-operable controls effect movement of the egress portion to permit the propelled toy vehicle to exit the loop. Both movable portions have a free end and a connected end. The connected end of each movable portion is hingedly connected to each end of a fixed arcuate portion. Within the loop there is provision for propelling the toy vehicle as it continues to go around the loop.

Abstract: A way to make model/experimental planes crash proof by a shock absorbing harness mounted over the body of the plane, which does not significantly affect the flying abilities and qualities of the model/experimental.The harness protects against collision with ground or other objects by strategically placing shock absorbing structures on the body of the aircraft. These structures are protruding from the overall outer dimension of the model/experimental aircraft and are the ones to first hit external objects and the ground. These shock absorbing structures are made of material that is light and provides the resiliency and cushion against the impact to the model/experimental body. The design is such that they add very little weight and drag to the model/experimental aircraft. The structures are made of thin wires and resemble an inverted question mark in its basic configuration.

Abstract: A squeeze toy has an outer body formed of generally resiliently deformable material which defines a main cavity. A portion of the body extends inwardly into the main cavity to form a receptacle. The receptacle includes a mouth which is dimensioned to enable a projectile to be inserted into and be supported by the receptacle. The receptacle has a configuration which normally causes an interference fit with the projectile to retain the projectile in the receptacle and prevent the receptacle from being removed through the mouth. The body of the squeeze toy can be deformed to cause a portion of the receptacle to be forced outward through the mouth and eject the projectile from the body.

Abstract: A launcher for radio controlled flights of a model airplane, which releases the previously restrained model airplane upon the depression of a foot pedal thereof, thereby eliminating the need for any person to place his or her head in or nearby the exhaust stream of the operating engine at takeoff time, supporting: rotatable, releasible, restraining, spaced, arms, which, when raised, obstruct the forward motion of the model airplane, via the stabilizers thereof; the foot pedal; and a linkage system interconnecting the foot pedal with the rotatable, releasible, restraining, spaced arms.

Abstract: A toy rocket to include a cylindrical body formed with a conical upper end portion, with the conical end portion formed of a flexible material, the cylindrical body formed of a rigid material and including a launcher structure, including a first conduit to receive a pneumatic air supply therethrough, with a first conduit orthogonally oriented and in pneumatic communication with a second conduit. The second conduit terminating in a sivel connection, with the swivel connection mounting a mounting tube thereon. The mounting tube is arranged for projection through a floor of the rocket into a first chamber containing a fluid propulsion medium therewithin. Pressurizing of the first chamber effects subsequent release of the rocket relative to the mounting tube for projection along a trajectory of flight.

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 wheeled jet reaction toy including a wheeled vehicle adapted to carry an empty beverage can of the "pop top" type having an opening at one end. The vehicle is adapted to clamp the empty beverage container with its open "pop top" end facing rearwardly. An exhaust tube mounted on the vehicle communicates with the empty beverage container through the "pop top opening". An air pump is mounted on a launch pad and a nozzle is connected by a hose to the air pump with the nozzle extending into the exhaust tube when the vehicle is straddling the launch pad so that air under pressure can be transmitted by the pump through the exhaust tube and into the beverage container. The vehicle containing the beverage container is held in position at the launch pad by a guillotine type quick release mechanism which engages the end of the exhaust tube and holds it against a seal surrounding the nozzle.

Abstract: A powered toy utilizing caps of the type used in toy cap guns to propel a toy vehicle. The vehicle is assembled with a launcher by a partible connector portion which has a piston portion assembled into a detonation chamber wherein the cap is detonated. The chamber is defined by an open ended housing portion which momentarily seals against the piston portion to propel the piston portion and vehicle when the cap is detonated, either by impact or electrical current.

Abstract: A drive device for a toy automobile includes a casing open at front and rear ends thereof and covering a path of travel, a flywheel rotatably supported on the casing for coming into abutting contact with an upper surface of a toy automobile at a prescribed position on the path of travel, an operating member axially slidably supported on the casing and having a push-button portion protruding externally of the casing and urged outwardly by a return spring, a pinion turned while in mesh with a rack provided on the operating member and extending axially thereof, and a gear speed-up mechanism incorporating a one-way clutch and interposed between the pinion and the flywheel for rotating the flywheel in a direction which propels the toy automobile forward only when the operating member is pushed inward.

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: An improved amusement device includes a base and open-top guide tube with two or more balls in the tube. When the balls are lifted to the top of the guide tube and dropped, the top ball rebounds to a height much higher than that from which it was dropped. With three balls in the tube, for example, the top one will typically rebound to a height six times as high as the height from which it was dropped.

Abstract: A ground retaining device for pilotless, radio controlled, miniature model airplanes; comprising horizontal stabilizer engaging bar means, hinged joint means, ground securing plate means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy unit having a movable toy and a flat rectangular toy case having an engaging section disposed therein in which the movable toy is detachably set. Support structure is disposed therein for supporting the movable toy when the movable toy starts movement. The toy case includes a power generating assembly, whereby the toy case has a card shape in the state when the movable toy is set in the engaging section of the toy case.

Abstract: A model rocket launch controller system which can operate in an automatic or manual mode. Selection between the two modes is determined by a double pole double throw switch. When the controller is placed in the auto mode, power is supplied to an electrical timer which counts down from a user selected time until the zero or ignition time. At such time the power is directed to an igniter circuit. An LCD display shows the remaining until ignition. A flasher circuit is provided to drive an LED to indicate the auto mode has been selected. In the manual mode, power is supplied directly to the igniter circuit when a single pole/push button switch is activated. An LED is also provided to indicate mode has been selected.

Abstract: A toy vehicle and a handheld pneumatic launcher combination includes a piston and an elongated hollow cylinder with a flange adjacent one end of the cylinder providing grips for a child which simulate an airplane control yoke. While supporting lateral extensions of the flange with the fingers of each hand, the child's thumbs are free to press upon an actuator at one end of the piston forcing the piston head into the cylinder. Attached at the other end of the elongated cylinder, in pneumatic communication with the cylinder, is a launch tube that fits into a socket adjacent the bottom of a toy vehicle that is made predominantly of a lightweight plastic foam. The axis of the launch tube is preferably offset from the axis of the cylinder. In addition, the launch tube is tapered and has a closed end with perforations through the sidewalls of the tube adjacent the closed end.

Abstract: A toy race car launcher is disclosed comprising a launcher body, a car support track on the launcher body, and a car disabling mechanism on the car support track for positioning the car in rest position at a car launching position. A car launching mechanism is provided on the launcher body at the car launching position for launching the car from the car support track.

Abstract: A deceleration method and apparatus for stopping a racing vehicle a predetermined distance beyond a race course finish line after a speed run from a standing start. A tether system having an elongated free payout portion is attached to the vehicle at the start line. The tether payout portion is arranged behind the vehicle for easy payout. It is relatively light so as not to impede travel of the vehicle over the race course. The length of the payout portion approximates the length of the course so that all slack is taken out of it by the time the vehicle reaches the finish line. Energy absorbing apparatus is attached to the tether system to place the payout portion in tension when it is payed out. In one embodiment the energy absorbing apparatus includes a manually operated friction braking system. In another embodiment it includes a hydraulic braking system employing rotor vanes rotating past stators in a compartment containing a liquid such as water.

Abstract: A toy top launcher simulating a space shuttle is disclosed for launching a rotating top having a circular enlarged end and a gear adjacent the opposite end onto a flat surface. The top launcher has a chamber for supporting the enlarged ends of a plurality of tops is a row. A discharge station is provided for discharging the leading top from the chamber to a starting launching position on a launch pad. The launch pad has a pair of spaced elongated edges defining an open-ended elongated slot having a gear track along one edge thereof. A launch slider is mounted for reciprocal movement on the launch pad, and in one direction of movement engages the top and urges the gear thereof into meshing engagement with the gear rack. Further movement of the slider imparts rotation and forward motion to the top, expelling the top from the open-end of the slot.

Abstract: A toy vehicle playset includes a roadway, a booster for impelling a vehicle along the roadway, a ramp positioned in the roadway to provide a path for an impelled vehicle to leap a predetermined distance, a catcher positioned in the roadway to catch a vehicle jumping the ramp, and a return portion of the roadway slanted to stop the vehicle and return it to the end of the roadway at which the booster is situated, the ramp being designed to pivot so that it allows a toy vehicle to pass along the roadway in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Racing game apparatus in which two or more inertia toy motor vehicles are released from respective ramps and travel along respective tracks to a finish gate. A starting flag assembly is located at the ramp and is released to an upright position when the release mechanism is operated simultaneously by two players. Each ramp is equipped with a trap door and a drop gate which are actuated by a release lever to start the vehicle down the ramp. Prior to the operation of the release lever, each vehicle is started so that its rear wheels are spinning, and each vehicle is placed on the ramp with its rear wheels spinning in the open trap doors and held on the ramps by the respective gates, until the trap doors are closed and the gates released. A gate provided at the finish line which swings open in one direction or the other as struck by the winning car, and which serves to indicate which car won the race.

Abstract: A toy vehicle launcher having a hand grip which can be squeezed to move expandable scissors members forward in order to launch a toy vehicle. The scissors members form an expandable parallelogram linkage which is slidable mounted inside the launcher. When the hand grip is squeezed, a trigger member pivotably mounted to the grip moves a sliding plate mounted inside the launcher. As the sliding plate moves, two pins attached to the sliding plate operably engage elongated slots in two of the scissors members, pulling the two members backward and causing the linkage to expand forward. A launching plate supported on top of the scissors members moves forward with the expanding linkage pushing a toy vehicle forward. Since the linkage expands forward in a relatively smooth and uniform manner, the toy vehicle is also launched in a relatively uniform manner, helping to avoid activating or damaging any impact-activated mechanisms in the vehicle.

Abstract: A toy playset including a bridge which may be used in a road racing set to emulate the occurence of an explosion. The playset includes a launcher and a toy bridge with a track portion and an actuating device. The track portion includes at least one element thereof which may be operated by the actuating device to project a toy vehicle passing thereover in a manner simulating an explosion.

Abstract: A toy car collision set (10) in which children attempt to crash nonsteerable unpowered cars (28, 30) at an intersection (12) when travelling in either the forward or reverse directions. The set includes at least two sets of tracks (14, 16, 22, 24) connected together at the intersection (12). A launcher (18, 20) is connected at one end of each of the tracks, and includes a piston assembly (34, 38) having a 5 to 1 compression ratio to be easily operated by a child hitting or pushing the top of the launcher. At the other end of each of the tracks, an elastic return means (26, 27) returns the launched cars along their respective tracks, if the car has not crashed at the intersection. The return means includes an elastic strip (52) stretched across the track to rebound a car striking the strip back along the direction in which it came to either strike another vehicle, at the intersection, or to be returned to the launcher for another launch.

Abstract: A toy train set includes a toy train car operative upon a two rail trackway. The trackway includes a braking system for reducing the toy train speed at selected places along the trackway and a track intersection having no moving parts which permits a child user to select either of two direction paths. An elongated beam spring is provided on the toy cars to facilitate placement upon the trackway by a younger child.

Abstract: A launching device for wheeled toy vehicles has a housing with a vehicle support surface located on the housing. An opening is located in the support surface so as to allow one of the wheels of the vehicle to be partially located within the opening. An element in the housing is movable toward and away from the opening and when moved toward the opening with the wheel of the vehicle located in the opening the element contacts the wheel to lift the wheel out of the opening so as to launch the vehicle from the housing. A release lever is connected to the element so as to lift the element toward the opening when it is desirable to release the vehicle from the housing.

Abstract: A toy vehicle and track assembly is provided for the detonation of toy percussion caps. A striker member is pivotally mounted within a housing that is biased to rotate in a predetermined direction. The striker member is retained by a keeper member than can be selectively released. A door can be connected to the housing for positioning an anvil that is capable of mounting the toy cap within striking movement of the striker member for detonating the cap.

Abstract: A wrist-borne launcher for a toy vehicle having a road-engaging flywheel mounted on an axle, one end of which extends through the bearing of a false wheel and terminates in a male coupler coaxial with a ring on the outer hub thereof. When not in use, the vehicle is held on a platform having a battery compartment, the platform being provided at its underside with a wrist-engaging cuff. Wires from the battery compartment pass through an arm cantilevered from the platform to reach over the hand of the player. The wires are connected to an electric motor housed in a power box supported at the free end of the arm, a depressible switch being connected in series with the motor. The shaft of the motor terminates in a female coupler coaxially disposed within a cylindrical socket formed in the side of the box corresponding to the underside of the platform, a switch actuator being interposed between the female coupler and the rim of the socket.

Abstract: Toy motorcycle play apparatus comprising a toy motorcycle having an energy-storing drive-train mechanism, and a launcher for imparting energy to the mechanism and then releasing the motorcycle for forward movement. The motorcycle comprises aligned rotatable front and rear ground-engaging wheels and an intermediate flywheel, all rotatable about horizontal transverse axes. The energy-storing drive-train mechanism is formed by the flywheel, one of the wheels, and a gear train between them which reduces speed and increases power and duration of rotation at that drive wheel. In operation, the motorcycle is powered by the flywheel, which also serves to maintain it upright by gyroscopic action as it moves forwardly. The launcher holds the motorcycle in the desired upright orientation with the drive wheel elevated so that it can rotate freely while energy is being stored in the flywheel. Then the motorcycle is released, the drive wheel is allowed to engage the launcher platform and propel the motorcycle forwardly.

Abstract: A winding and launching device for toy vehicles which includes a base covered by a shell, the shell having a shaft projecting therefrom and being adapted to mate with a coupling on a flywheel-driven toy vehicle for rotating the flywheel. The shaft is rotated at high speed through a step-up gearing arrangement by a crank positioned on the shell. A button protrudes from the shell and is connected to a platform which holds the shaft in place, depressing the button pulls the shaft from the vehicle coupling so that the vehicle may speed away.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a modular unit for a toy vehicle traversing layout, the unit representing a city section and having a simulated street sign serving as a handle for carrying, the unit being further provided with a vehicle propulsion device for propelling toy vehicles along a simulated street. The modular unit is provided with the propulsion device adjacent a lane of the street with a plunger, upon depression rotating a pivotable drive member into engagement with the rear of a toy vehicle for propelling the same. The unit has a base with grooves in the undersurface thereof for receiving C-shaped connectors for interlocking a plurality of modular units together.