Title:
Shift console including means for feeding and launching vehicles
United States Patent 3908303
Abstract:
A toy vehicle launching assembly including a launching station having a plunger-like launcher member for striking and launching a vehicle positioned at said station, a simulated gear shift lever connected with said plunger for cocking and releasing the same, said shift lever also being associated with sound mechanism for producing sound during movement of said shift lever through simulated shifting positions.
US Patent References:
Toy
Turner - October 1920 - 1356324
Spring ejected toy vehicle
Borchers - September 1950 - 2522160
Toy aeroplane launching devices
Sherri - December 1956 - 2773329
Toy airplane launching device
Glass et al. - November 1968 - 3408768
MOVING APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE TOY
Beny et al. - November 1970 - 3548534
Toy
Turner - October 1920 - 1356324
Spring ejected toy vehicle
Borchers - September 1950 - 2522160
Toy aeroplane launching devices
Sherri - December 1956 - 2773329
Toy airplane launching device
Glass et al. - November 1968 - 3408768
MOVING APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE TOY
Beny et al. - November 1970 - 3548534
Inventors:
Mckay, Robert S. (Morton Grove, IL)
Breslow, Jeffrey D. (Highland Park, IL)
Glass, Marvin I. (Chicago, IL)
Breslow, Jeffrey D. (Highland Park, IL)
Glass, Marvin I. (Chicago, IL)
Application Number:
05/488301
Publication Date:
09/30/1975
Filing Date:
07/15/1974
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Marvin Glass & Associates (Chicago, IL)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
273/129R, 434/71, 446/409
International Classes:
A63H18/14; A63H18/00; A63H17/00
Field of Search:
46/1K,202,206,81 273/129
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Shay, Barry F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Coffee & Sweeney
Parent Case Data:
CROSS REFERENCET TO OTHER APPLICATIONS
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 302,251, filed Oct. 30, 1972 now abandoned.
Claims:
We claim
1. A toy vehicle launching device comprising:
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said forward gate is mounted on said plunger for movement therewith and is normally biased downwardly and wherein said feeding track includes a cam guiding surface on which a portion of said forward gate tracks when said plunger is moved whereby said forward gate is moved between its raised and lowered positions.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein said rear gate includes a pivotally mounted surface member engaged with said plunger so that forward movement of said plunger will pivot said gate surface member from a closed position wherein the gate surface member is canted relative to said track to the open position wherein the gate surface member is continuous with said track.
4. A toy vehicle launching device comprising:
5. The device of claim 4 wherein said shift console includes a wall having an H-shaped slot formed therein and wherein said shift stick is received in said slot and is movably mounted to said console for movement through said slot.
6. The device of claim 4 wherein said launching means includes a cocking plate movably mounted in said console and associated with said shift stick for movement in response thereto, said cocking plate being rapidly movable between an unbiased or released position and a biased or cocked position in response to the movement of the stick shift in said shift sequence, a plunger connected to said cocking plate extending outside of said console, said plunger propelling a toy vehicle from the launching station when said cocking plate is rapidly moved from its cocked position to its released position, and retaining means operably associated between said cocking plate and said shift stick for holding said cocking plate in its cocked position before the completion of the shift movement sequence and for releasing said cocking plate at the end of said sequence.
7. The device of claim 4 wherein said feeding track is inclined and said feeding means feeds the vehicle on the track due to the force of gravity.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein said blocking means includes a rear gate movable in response to the actuation of said launching means between a normal raised position blocking said first vehicle and a lowered position allowing said first vehicle to move thereover toward said launching station.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein said feeding means further includes a forward gate associated with said launching means for holding a toy vehicle between it and said rear gate on said launching station, said forward gate being movable in response to the actuation of said launching means between a normally lowered position wherein a vehicle can move thereover to the launching station and a raised blocking position wherein a vehicle is blocked from moving to the launching station, said forward gate being in its normal lowered position when said rear gate is in its normal raised position and said forward gate being in its raised position when said rear gate is in its lowered position.
1. A toy vehicle launching device comprising:
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said forward gate is mounted on said plunger for movement therewith and is normally biased downwardly and wherein said feeding track includes a cam guiding surface on which a portion of said forward gate tracks when said plunger is moved whereby said forward gate is moved between its raised and lowered positions.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein said rear gate includes a pivotally mounted surface member engaged with said plunger so that forward movement of said plunger will pivot said gate surface member from a closed position wherein the gate surface member is canted relative to said track to the open position wherein the gate surface member is continuous with said track.
4. A toy vehicle launching device comprising:
5. The device of claim 4 wherein said shift console includes a wall having an H-shaped slot formed therein and wherein said shift stick is received in said slot and is movably mounted to said console for movement through said slot.
6. The device of claim 4 wherein said launching means includes a cocking plate movably mounted in said console and associated with said shift stick for movement in response thereto, said cocking plate being rapidly movable between an unbiased or released position and a biased or cocked position in response to the movement of the stick shift in said shift sequence, a plunger connected to said cocking plate extending outside of said console, said plunger propelling a toy vehicle from the launching station when said cocking plate is rapidly moved from its cocked position to its released position, and retaining means operably associated between said cocking plate and said shift stick for holding said cocking plate in its cocked position before the completion of the shift movement sequence and for releasing said cocking plate at the end of said sequence.
7. The device of claim 4 wherein said feeding track is inclined and said feeding means feeds the vehicle on the track due to the force of gravity.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein said blocking means includes a rear gate movable in response to the actuation of said launching means between a normal raised position blocking said first vehicle and a lowered position allowing said first vehicle to move thereover toward said launching station.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein said feeding means further includes a forward gate associated with said launching means for holding a toy vehicle between it and said rear gate on said launching station, said forward gate being movable in response to the actuation of said launching means between a normally lowered position wherein a vehicle can move thereover to the launching station and a raised blocking position wherein a vehicle is blocked from moving to the launching station, said forward gate being in its normal lowered position when said rear gate is in its normal raised position and said forward gate being in its raised position when said rear gate is in its lowered position.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to toy vehicles and launching devices therefor, such as presently classified in Class 46, subclass 202 and 206.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
The art abounds with prior patents relating to an accelerator or launching apparatus for toy vehicles. Examples of such U.S. Pat. Nos. are as follows:
Generally speaking, the art shows several examples of structures for either initially propelling, or accelerating, a toy car along a path of travel. These devices are particularly well received as accessories for use with toy car track layouts and also for use with different forms of toy cars. Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to provide an improved form of a toy car launching device for use in launching toy cars in a path of travel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed, in brief, to the provision of an improved launching device for a toy vehicle.
The best mode currently contemplated for carrying out the invention includes a housing defining an arcuate toy vehicle feeding ramp terminating in a launching station having a reciprocable plunger thereat. A gear shift handle extends upwardly through the housing and is mounted for movement in a generally H shaped pattern between a simulated "neutral" mode and four gear shift positions. The shift lever is associated with circuitry for acutating sound producing mechanism during movement of the shift lever through the four shift positions. In addition, the shift lever is associated with launching plunger cocking mechanism for moving the launching plunger to a retracted stressed state, and then rapidly releasing the plunger to launch a vehicle at the launching station, with said stressing and releasing functions being accomplished also as said shift lever moves through the simulated shift pattern.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toy vehicle launching device of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the toy vehicle launching device of this invention, with a portion broken away for clarity of illustration;
FIG. 3 is a section view taken generally along the lines 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a section view taken generally along the lines 4--4 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a section view taken generally along the lines 5--5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged section view of a portion of the launching station of the toy vehicle launching device of this invention;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the toy vehicle launching device of this invention showing the shift lever in a first gear position;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the shift lever in a second gear position;
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGS. 7 and 8 showing the shift lever in a third gear position;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, showing the shift lever in a fourth gear position;
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of components on the shift assembly; and
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary exploded view of components of the circuitry for actuating the sound producing mechanism.
While this invention is suscpetible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a specific embodiment therefor, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, the toy vehicle launching device 10 of this invention includes a housing 12, preferably made of a generally rigid molded plastic or a similar substance. The housing 12 includes a generally arcuate, downwardly inclined, launching ramp 14 for receiving and guiding toy vehicles 14a towards a launching station, generally indicated 16.
The housing 12 includes a shift console generally indicated 18 comprising upright walls 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d and top panel 18e. Shift stick 20 extends through a generally H-shaped slot in the top of console 18 and is provided with a grasping knob 20a at its exterior end. Slot 22 includes the medial or neutral position 22a at the cross slot of the H, a simulated first gear position 22b at one end of one leg of the H, a simulated second gear position 22c at the opposite end of the one leg, a simulated third gear position 22d at one end of the other leg of the H, and a simulated fourth gear position 22e at the opposite end of the other leg of the H.
Shift stick 20 extends through the opening 24 in a generally rectangular enlargement 26 which is an integral part of mounting shaft 28. A suitable pin-like fastener or set screw fastener 30 extends through the enlargement 26 and the shift stick 20 to mount the stick for limited pivotal movement about a horizontal axis relative to the opening 24 transverse to the axis of the shaft 28. The shaft 28 is received in recesses 32a and 32b of spaced apart uprights 32 and 34, respectively, within shift console 18, to mount the shaft 28 for to and fro pivotal movement about a horizontal axis which is generally transverse to the axis of the fastener or set screw 30. By this arrangement, stick 20 may move in transversely oriented directions to traverse the H shaped slot 22.
Shift stick 20 terminates in a generally hooked end 38 having an opposite beveled face 40. The shift stick 20 extends through a slide plate 42 which closely underlies top 18e and, particularly, through the laterally elongated slot 44, with the slot 44 intended to underlie the generally transverse section 22a of the H shaped slot 22. The slide plate 42 is retained adjacent the underside of the top panel 18e of console l8 by means of slide bracket 46 which thereby permits to and fro movement of the plate 42 responsive to related movement of stick 20.
The slide plate 42 supports a wiper arm 48 which extends laterally outwardly from the underside thereof and terminates in a depending finger 50 which is intended to slidingly engage the wiper plate 52 secured to the inside of the console wall 18a. Preferably, plate 52 has a notch 54 therein to provide an interruption in the contact between the finger 50 if wiper arm 48 and the plate 52. It is intended that when stick 20 is in the neutral position (slot portion 22a), the finger 50 of wiper arm 48 would be aligned with notch 54 of wiper plate 52.
An opening 60 is provided in the bottom of shift console 18 and is bordered by a rail 62 along one side thereof and side wall 64 along the other side thereof, with the opening 60 defining a slot or channel in which the cocking plate 66 is mounted for to and fro movement responsive to movement to the shift lever 20. Cocking plate 66 includes an upstanding post 68 to which one end of spring 70 is fastened, with the other end of spring 70 being fastened to a post 72 on housing 12 to thereby bias cocking plate 66 to forward, or release, position relative to the console 18, the housing 12 and the opening or slot 60. A small notch or recess 74 is formed in the top of cocking plate 66 near the forward end thereof and the cocking plate 66 further includes an enlarged opening or recess 76, generally centrally formed therein which is occupied by end 38 of shift stick 20. Recess or opening 76 is substantially rectangular in configuration but is provided with a generally wedge shaped guide nose 78 near the forward end, with the guide nose 78 specifically having a forwardly and inwardly directed guide surface 78a which is intended to abut and guide the lower end 38 of shift stick 20. In addition, the opposite side wall 80 of the opening 76 is also forwardly and inwardly inclined opposite the surface 78a to direct the lower or free end of shift stick 20 toward the narrowed forward end 82 of opening 76.
A vertical surface extends laterally into the recess 76 and is part of a cantilever arm 86 secured to the cocking plate 66 which supports launching components at the launching station 16. The vertical surface 84 is intended to engage the end 38 of stick shift 20 to assist in moving the cocking plate 66 within the opening 60.
A retaining arm 90 is mounted in the interior of console 18 and includes a hub 92 which is pivoted on shaft 88 which extends across rail 62 and wall 64. A wire spring 94 extends through a post 96 on arm 90 and is received in slots 98 in housing 12 and therefore biases the arm 90 downwardly with the reduced nose 100 bearing downwardly and forwardly relative to the recess 74 in the cocking plate 66 to assist in retaining the cocking plate in a retracted or stressed condition or position. The upper end of arm 90 is notched at 102 in the area generally opposite the enlargement 24 through which stick shift 20 extends. The upper end terminates in a rounded hub 104 which is intended to generally bear against the shift stick and may be displaced by the rounded face 106 of the enlargement 26 to overcome the biasing or urging force of spring 94 and lift the reduced nose 100 from the recess or notch 74.
The cocking plate 66 is provided with a leaf metal rear extension 110 which is secured to the top thereof and extends therefrom to slidably engage a resistor winding 112 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The extension 110 wipes against the resistor winding 112 to thereby provide a variable resistor as the cocking plate 66 is moved to and fro. Batteries for providing power are held in the battery housing 114. Battery housing 114 includes an upper contact 118; and a first lower contact 122a, and a second lower contact 122b. Wire 124 extends from resistor winding 112 to the plate 52 and wire 126 extends from the wiper arm 48 to the "on-off" switch 114 and, particularly, to the contact 122a. Wire 130 extends from the leaf metal extension 110 to the motor 132 and wire 134 extends from the motor 132 to the housing 114 and, particularly, to the contact 122b thereof. Thus, as the shift stick 20 is moved, the plate 42 will be displaced to move the wiper arm 48 into engagement with, and along, plate 52 and the leaf metal contact 110 will move along the resistor winding 112 to complete a circuit of variable output which will activate the motor 132 and, particularly, the output shaft 136 thereof.
Motor output shaft 136 has a first audible signal producing member 138 mounted thereon. Member 138 is comprised of a pair of spaced apart discs 140 having a plurality of pins 142a extending therebetween in the area of the periphery for loosely mounting the rings 142. The disc 140 is adjacent the base 144a of speaker cone 144 which underlies speaker grille 146. As the motor shaft 136 is rotated, the rings 142 will tend to fly outwardly relative to the pins 142a responsive to centrifugal force, and repeatedly strike the base 144a of the cone 144, producing an audible noise, preferably simulating that of an automobile being rapidly accelerated.
An elongate slot 150 is formed in the shift control housing 18 and specifically in wall 18c adjacent to the track 14. The forward end of the slot 150 defines an upwardly curved, offset, guide surface 152. Arm 86 extends through slot 150 and supports a plunger 154 which substantially occupies track 14 at the launching station 16 and is movable to and fro in the track.
Plunger 156 has a generally T shaped slot therein, including a first transverse portion 156a and a second elongate portion 156b. The plunger 154 supports a front gate 158 which is generally L shaped and has a forward restraining portion 158a, a rearward portion 158b and a mounting hub portion 158c, with a pin 158d by means of which the gate 158 is pivoted to the plunger. A wire spring 160 is connected to the gate 158 and to the plunger 154 to normally urge gate 158 downwardly in the retracted position as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11. As plunger 156 moves, gate 158 tracks on notch 152 between a raised and lowered positon.
Plunger 154 also supports a rear gate 164 having a depending tongue 166 through which pin 168 extends and also into upright 32 to pivotally mount the rear gate 164 with respect to the housing 12 and plunger 154. Rear gate 164 is movable between a horizontal, or open position, as shown in full outline in FIG. 6, and an inclined or closed position as shown in dotted outline in FIG. 6. The gate 164 includes a forward inclined edge to permit a movement of the gate to the closed position, and a rear surface 172 which is positioned to abut toy vehicles fed down the inclined ramp 14. A supplementary stop means in the form of a small resilient pad 174 is positioned in the track 14 a short distance forward of the plunger 154.
In operation, assuming shift stick 20 is in "neutral", the switch 114 is first activated and at least one, and preferably several, toy cars 14a are deposited on ramp 14. The forwardmost car will roll to the launching station 16, over the rear gate 164 and come to rest against the front gate 158. As the shift stick 20 is moved to the first gear position 22b, thereby moving slide plate 42 rearwardly, it will cause finger 50 of wiper arm 48 to bear against wiper plate 52, completing the circuit for activation of the signal producing means. The shift stick 20 is next moved to the second gear position 22c, moving slide plate 42 forwardly and cocking plate 66 rearwardly. As plate 42 moves forwardly, wiper 48 remains in engagement with plate 52 and as plate 66 moves rearwardly, extension 110 moves relative to resistor winding 112 increasing the output of the signal producing means. In addition, the reduced nose 100 of arm 90 drops into recess 74 of the cocking plate. At the same time, rear gate 164 is moved into a closed position by the rearward movement of the plunger 154 (FIG. 6). The plunger engages rear gate tongue 166 and pivots it as shown in phantom in FIG. 6. Because plunger 154 is mounted as part of the cocking plate 66 and moves therewith, the movement of the shift stick 20 will move the cocking plate 66 which, in turn, will move the plunger. As described above, this movement of the plunger will pivot the rear gate 164. When rear gate 164 is moved into the inclined or closed position, thereby holding the next successive toy vehicle 14a from movement on the plunger and at the same time forcing the first toy vehicle 14a partially off the plunger. Next the shift stick 20 is moved to the third gear position 22d which only causes movement of the slide plate 42 in that the cocking plate 66 is held against movement by the restraining action imposed by arm 90. Spring 70 remains in a stressed state and the lower or forward end of the shift stick moves into the notch 82. Subsequently, stick 20 is moved to the fourth gear position 22e which again causes movement of the plate 42 and further causes movement of the cocking plate 66 rearwardly, increasing the stressing force of spring 70. This also moves extension 110 for a further increment relative to resistor winding 112, thereby changing the output of the motor 132 and increasing the moise of the signal producing member. In addition, the plunger 154 is also moved rearwardly in response to the rearward movement of the cocking plate 66 so that the toy vehicle 14a is dumped from the plunger on to the track 14. As movement to the fourth gear position 22e is completed, the enlargement 24 engages hub 104 of arm 90 so that nose 100 is removed from recess 74, thereby causing the cocking plate 66 and the plunger 154 to rapidly move forward responsive to the force imposed by stressed spring 70. This rapid forward movement of the plunger will launch the vehicle 14a from the remaining chute portion of the track 14 and permit the next adjacent vehicle 14a to drop on top of the plunger.
Thus it can be seen that with the launching assembly of this invention, a participant may simulate the action of shifting a manual transmission through the different speed ranges thereof during which the audible signal producing circuit will be activated to impart a noise which is intended to simulate that of an automobile engine. As the participant shifts into the higher ranges, the output of the signal producing device is increased. At the same time, the plunger goes through a series of movements which first permits the occupation thereon of a toy vehicle and blocks access thereto of a next successive toy vehicle, following which the first toy vehicle is moved in front of the plunger so that, as the plunger moves rapidly forward responsive to the release of the retaining means from the spring urged cocking plate, the toy vehicle will be launched outwardly by reason of the engagement of the toy vehicle with the frontal gate of the plunger
The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as some modifications may be obvious to those skilled in the art.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to toy vehicles and launching devices therefor, such as presently classified in Class 46, subclass 202 and 206.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
The art abounds with prior patents relating to an accelerator or launching apparatus for toy vehicles. Examples of such U.S. Pat. Nos. are as follows:
Generally speaking, the art shows several examples of structures for either initially propelling, or accelerating, a toy car along a path of travel. These devices are particularly well received as accessories for use with toy car track layouts and also for use with different forms of toy cars. Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to provide an improved form of a toy car launching device for use in launching toy cars in a path of travel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed, in brief, to the provision of an improved launching device for a toy vehicle.
The best mode currently contemplated for carrying out the invention includes a housing defining an arcuate toy vehicle feeding ramp terminating in a launching station having a reciprocable plunger thereat. A gear shift handle extends upwardly through the housing and is mounted for movement in a generally H shaped pattern between a simulated "neutral" mode and four gear shift positions. The shift lever is associated with circuitry for acutating sound producing mechanism during movement of the shift lever through the four shift positions. In addition, the shift lever is associated with launching plunger cocking mechanism for moving the launching plunger to a retracted stressed state, and then rapidly releasing the plunger to launch a vehicle at the launching station, with said stressing and releasing functions being accomplished also as said shift lever moves through the simulated shift pattern.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toy vehicle launching device of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the toy vehicle launching device of this invention, with a portion broken away for clarity of illustration;
FIG. 3 is a section view taken generally along the lines 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a section view taken generally along the lines 4--4 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a section view taken generally along the lines 5--5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged section view of a portion of the launching station of the toy vehicle launching device of this invention;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the toy vehicle launching device of this invention showing the shift lever in a first gear position;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the shift lever in a second gear position;
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGS. 7 and 8 showing the shift lever in a third gear position;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, showing the shift lever in a fourth gear position;
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of components on the shift assembly; and
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary exploded view of components of the circuitry for actuating the sound producing mechanism.
While this invention is suscpetible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a specific embodiment therefor, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, the toy vehicle launching device 10 of this invention includes a housing 12, preferably made of a generally rigid molded plastic or a similar substance. The housing 12 includes a generally arcuate, downwardly inclined, launching ramp 14 for receiving and guiding toy vehicles 14a towards a launching station, generally indicated 16.
The housing 12 includes a shift console generally indicated 18 comprising upright walls 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d and top panel 18e. Shift stick 20 extends through a generally H-shaped slot in the top of console 18 and is provided with a grasping knob 20a at its exterior end. Slot 22 includes the medial or neutral position 22a at the cross slot of the H, a simulated first gear position 22b at one end of one leg of the H, a simulated second gear position 22c at the opposite end of the one leg, a simulated third gear position 22d at one end of the other leg of the H, and a simulated fourth gear position 22e at the opposite end of the other leg of the H.
Shift stick 20 extends through the opening 24 in a generally rectangular enlargement 26 which is an integral part of mounting shaft 28. A suitable pin-like fastener or set screw fastener 30 extends through the enlargement 26 and the shift stick 20 to mount the stick for limited pivotal movement about a horizontal axis relative to the opening 24 transverse to the axis of the shaft 28. The shaft 28 is received in recesses 32a and 32b of spaced apart uprights 32 and 34, respectively, within shift console 18, to mount the shaft 28 for to and fro pivotal movement about a horizontal axis which is generally transverse to the axis of the fastener or set screw 30. By this arrangement, stick 20 may move in transversely oriented directions to traverse the H shaped slot 22.
Shift stick 20 terminates in a generally hooked end 38 having an opposite beveled face 40. The shift stick 20 extends through a slide plate 42 which closely underlies top 18e and, particularly, through the laterally elongated slot 44, with the slot 44 intended to underlie the generally transverse section 22a of the H shaped slot 22. The slide plate 42 is retained adjacent the underside of the top panel 18e of console l8 by means of slide bracket 46 which thereby permits to and fro movement of the plate 42 responsive to related movement of stick 20.
The slide plate 42 supports a wiper arm 48 which extends laterally outwardly from the underside thereof and terminates in a depending finger 50 which is intended to slidingly engage the wiper plate 52 secured to the inside of the console wall 18a. Preferably, plate 52 has a notch 54 therein to provide an interruption in the contact between the finger 50 if wiper arm 48 and the plate 52. It is intended that when stick 20 is in the neutral position (slot portion 22a), the finger 50 of wiper arm 48 would be aligned with notch 54 of wiper plate 52.
An opening 60 is provided in the bottom of shift console 18 and is bordered by a rail 62 along one side thereof and side wall 64 along the other side thereof, with the opening 60 defining a slot or channel in which the cocking plate 66 is mounted for to and fro movement responsive to movement to the shift lever 20. Cocking plate 66 includes an upstanding post 68 to which one end of spring 70 is fastened, with the other end of spring 70 being fastened to a post 72 on housing 12 to thereby bias cocking plate 66 to forward, or release, position relative to the console 18, the housing 12 and the opening or slot 60. A small notch or recess 74 is formed in the top of cocking plate 66 near the forward end thereof and the cocking plate 66 further includes an enlarged opening or recess 76, generally centrally formed therein which is occupied by end 38 of shift stick 20. Recess or opening 76 is substantially rectangular in configuration but is provided with a generally wedge shaped guide nose 78 near the forward end, with the guide nose 78 specifically having a forwardly and inwardly directed guide surface 78a which is intended to abut and guide the lower end 38 of shift stick 20. In addition, the opposite side wall 80 of the opening 76 is also forwardly and inwardly inclined opposite the surface 78a to direct the lower or free end of shift stick 20 toward the narrowed forward end 82 of opening 76.
A vertical surface extends laterally into the recess 76 and is part of a cantilever arm 86 secured to the cocking plate 66 which supports launching components at the launching station 16. The vertical surface 84 is intended to engage the end 38 of stick shift 20 to assist in moving the cocking plate 66 within the opening 60.
A retaining arm 90 is mounted in the interior of console 18 and includes a hub 92 which is pivoted on shaft 88 which extends across rail 62 and wall 64. A wire spring 94 extends through a post 96 on arm 90 and is received in slots 98 in housing 12 and therefore biases the arm 90 downwardly with the reduced nose 100 bearing downwardly and forwardly relative to the recess 74 in the cocking plate 66 to assist in retaining the cocking plate in a retracted or stressed condition or position. The upper end of arm 90 is notched at 102 in the area generally opposite the enlargement 24 through which stick shift 20 extends. The upper end terminates in a rounded hub 104 which is intended to generally bear against the shift stick and may be displaced by the rounded face 106 of the enlargement 26 to overcome the biasing or urging force of spring 94 and lift the reduced nose 100 from the recess or notch 74.
The cocking plate 66 is provided with a leaf metal rear extension 110 which is secured to the top thereof and extends therefrom to slidably engage a resistor winding 112 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The extension 110 wipes against the resistor winding 112 to thereby provide a variable resistor as the cocking plate 66 is moved to and fro. Batteries for providing power are held in the battery housing 114. Battery housing 114 includes an upper contact 118; and a first lower contact 122a, and a second lower contact 122b. Wire 124 extends from resistor winding 112 to the plate 52 and wire 126 extends from the wiper arm 48 to the "on-off" switch 114 and, particularly, to the contact 122a. Wire 130 extends from the leaf metal extension 110 to the motor 132 and wire 134 extends from the motor 132 to the housing 114 and, particularly, to the contact 122b thereof. Thus, as the shift stick 20 is moved, the plate 42 will be displaced to move the wiper arm 48 into engagement with, and along, plate 52 and the leaf metal contact 110 will move along the resistor winding 112 to complete a circuit of variable output which will activate the motor 132 and, particularly, the output shaft 136 thereof.
Motor output shaft 136 has a first audible signal producing member 138 mounted thereon. Member 138 is comprised of a pair of spaced apart discs 140 having a plurality of pins 142a extending therebetween in the area of the periphery for loosely mounting the rings 142. The disc 140 is adjacent the base 144a of speaker cone 144 which underlies speaker grille 146. As the motor shaft 136 is rotated, the rings 142 will tend to fly outwardly relative to the pins 142a responsive to centrifugal force, and repeatedly strike the base 144a of the cone 144, producing an audible noise, preferably simulating that of an automobile being rapidly accelerated.
An elongate slot 150 is formed in the shift control housing 18 and specifically in wall 18c adjacent to the track 14. The forward end of the slot 150 defines an upwardly curved, offset, guide surface 152. Arm 86 extends through slot 150 and supports a plunger 154 which substantially occupies track 14 at the launching station 16 and is movable to and fro in the track.
Plunger 156 has a generally T shaped slot therein, including a first transverse portion 156a and a second elongate portion 156b. The plunger 154 supports a front gate 158 which is generally L shaped and has a forward restraining portion 158a, a rearward portion 158b and a mounting hub portion 158c, with a pin 158d by means of which the gate 158 is pivoted to the plunger. A wire spring 160 is connected to the gate 158 and to the plunger 154 to normally urge gate 158 downwardly in the retracted position as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11. As plunger 156 moves, gate 158 tracks on notch 152 between a raised and lowered positon.
Plunger 154 also supports a rear gate 164 having a depending tongue 166 through which pin 168 extends and also into upright 32 to pivotally mount the rear gate 164 with respect to the housing 12 and plunger 154. Rear gate 164 is movable between a horizontal, or open position, as shown in full outline in FIG. 6, and an inclined or closed position as shown in dotted outline in FIG. 6. The gate 164 includes a forward inclined edge to permit a movement of the gate to the closed position, and a rear surface 172 which is positioned to abut toy vehicles fed down the inclined ramp 14. A supplementary stop means in the form of a small resilient pad 174 is positioned in the track 14 a short distance forward of the plunger 154.
In operation, assuming shift stick 20 is in "neutral", the switch 114 is first activated and at least one, and preferably several, toy cars 14a are deposited on ramp 14. The forwardmost car will roll to the launching station 16, over the rear gate 164 and come to rest against the front gate 158. As the shift stick 20 is moved to the first gear position 22b, thereby moving slide plate 42 rearwardly, it will cause finger 50 of wiper arm 48 to bear against wiper plate 52, completing the circuit for activation of the signal producing means. The shift stick 20 is next moved to the second gear position 22c, moving slide plate 42 forwardly and cocking plate 66 rearwardly. As plate 42 moves forwardly, wiper 48 remains in engagement with plate 52 and as plate 66 moves rearwardly, extension 110 moves relative to resistor winding 112 increasing the output of the signal producing means. In addition, the reduced nose 100 of arm 90 drops into recess 74 of the cocking plate. At the same time, rear gate 164 is moved into a closed position by the rearward movement of the plunger 154 (FIG. 6). The plunger engages rear gate tongue 166 and pivots it as shown in phantom in FIG. 6. Because plunger 154 is mounted as part of the cocking plate 66 and moves therewith, the movement of the shift stick 20 will move the cocking plate 66 which, in turn, will move the plunger. As described above, this movement of the plunger will pivot the rear gate 164. When rear gate 164 is moved into the inclined or closed position, thereby holding the next successive toy vehicle 14a from movement on the plunger and at the same time forcing the first toy vehicle 14a partially off the plunger. Next the shift stick 20 is moved to the third gear position 22d which only causes movement of the slide plate 42 in that the cocking plate 66 is held against movement by the restraining action imposed by arm 90. Spring 70 remains in a stressed state and the lower or forward end of the shift stick moves into the notch 82. Subsequently, stick 20 is moved to the fourth gear position 22e which again causes movement of the plate 42 and further causes movement of the cocking plate 66 rearwardly, increasing the stressing force of spring 70. This also moves extension 110 for a further increment relative to resistor winding 112, thereby changing the output of the motor 132 and increasing the moise of the signal producing member. In addition, the plunger 154 is also moved rearwardly in response to the rearward movement of the cocking plate 66 so that the toy vehicle 14a is dumped from the plunger on to the track 14. As movement to the fourth gear position 22e is completed, the enlargement 24 engages hub 104 of arm 90 so that nose 100 is removed from recess 74, thereby causing the cocking plate 66 and the plunger 154 to rapidly move forward responsive to the force imposed by stressed spring 70. This rapid forward movement of the plunger will launch the vehicle 14a from the remaining chute portion of the track 14 and permit the next adjacent vehicle 14a to drop on top of the plunger.
Thus it can be seen that with the launching assembly of this invention, a participant may simulate the action of shifting a manual transmission through the different speed ranges thereof during which the audible signal producing circuit will be activated to impart a noise which is intended to simulate that of an automobile engine. As the participant shifts into the higher ranges, the output of the signal producing device is increased. At the same time, the plunger goes through a series of movements which first permits the occupation thereon of a toy vehicle and blocks access thereto of a next successive toy vehicle, following which the first toy vehicle is moved in front of the plunger so that, as the plunger moves rapidly forward responsive to the release of the retaining means from the spring urged cocking plate, the toy vehicle will be launched outwardly by reason of the engagement of the toy vehicle with the frontal gate of the plunger
The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as some modifications may be obvious to those skilled in the art.