Rapid action toy vehicle launcher

A toy vehicle launcher includes a generally planar base having a pair of angularly disposed downwardly sloped toy vehicle feed ramps coupled thereto. A pivotally supported carriage defines a pair of angularly disposed launching stations for receiving toy vehicles from the feed ramps. An operative mechanism is coupled to a slidable handle supported upon the base to pivot the carriage back and forth between the feed ramps to alternate each launching station between a vehicle receiving position in alignment with a feed ramp and a launching position. A movable spring-loaded striker is operative in response to handle motion to strike the toy vehicle positioned within the launch position and drive the vehicle outwardly from the launcher.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to toy vehicles and particularly to the 
launching mechanisms used therein. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Through the years, many vehicle playsets have been developed which include 
a toy vehicle launcher. While the structures for such toy vehicle 
launchers varies considerably between manufacturers, all generally include 
a base member or base housing within which a vehicle launching station is 
formed. A launching mechanism is generally supported within the base 
member and includes an interactive launcher arm or plunger which 
communicates the launcher mechanism to a toy vehicle positioned within the 
launched station. The launcher mechanism usually derives its energy from a 
spring drive or compressed air drive system. The object of the launcher's 
operation is to impart a great deal of kinetic energy to the toy vehicle 
within the launch station and propel it outwardly from the launcher 
station into a track or other travel area. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,658 issued to Crosson, et al. sets forth a TOY CAR 
LAUNCHER WITH EXPANDABLE SCISSORS MEMBERS in which a generally planar 
housing defines a launch channel for receiving a to-be-launched toy 
vehicle. The housing further supports an upwardly extending pistol grip 
handle having a trigger mechanism therein. A scissors mechanism is coupled 
to the trigger of the pistol grip handle and is rapidly expanded in 
response to actuation of the pistol grip handle trigger to expand the 
scissors members and launch the toy vehicle from the base member. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,967 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,230, a division thereof, 
issued to Halford, et al. sets forth a TOY VEHICLE GAME WITH LAUNCHER AND 
RETURN MEANS in which a pair of intersecting track segments each include 
respective launching apparatus and rebound return mechanisms at opposite 
ends thereof. In pertinent part, the launcher mechanism comprises a base 
member having a movable piston together with an air bellows operatively 
coupled to the piston. The rapid compression of the air bellows produces 
compressed air within the cylinder supporting the movable piston causing 
the piston to be driven outwardly from the cylinder thereby accelerating a 
toy vehicle positioned in proximity to the piston. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,108,437 issued to DeAnda, et al. sets forth a TOY VEHICLE 
STARTING AND LAUNCHING SET in which a pair of toy vehicle launchers are 
positioned in a side by side relationship and coupled to a corresponding 
pair of generally straight track members. The launchers include a starting 
apparatus and a gravity operated timer. A pusher arm is coupled to an 
elastic band and is drawn backwardly against the elastic force of the 
elastic band to provide a launching mechanism. A trigger release is 
provided to lock the pusher in an extended position and release the pusher 
to launch the toy vehicle. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,908,303 issued to McKay, et al. sets forth a SHIFT COUNSEL 
INCLUDING MEANS FOR FEEDING AND LAUNCHING VEHICLES having a launching 
station which supports a plunger-like launcher member for striking and 
launching a vehicle positioned in the launch station. A simulated gear 
shift lever connected with the plunger provides for cocking and releasing 
the plunger to launch toy vehicles. An inclined ramp is provided to 
receive a plurality of toy vehicles and feed them to the launch station in 
serial fashion. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,803,756 issued to Strongin sets forth a TOY VEHICLE AND 
LAUNCHING DEVICE THEREFOR including a platform upon which a toy vehicle is 
received and a motor interconnected to a flywheel rotatably supported 
within the toy vehicle. The motor rotates the vehicle flywheel while the 
vehicle is maintained in stationary position to store rotating energy 
therein. During launch, the motor is disconnected and the flywheel is 
simultaneously moved into engagement with the platform causing the vehicle 
to be propelled away from the launch station. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,468,031 issued to Barlow, et al. sets forth a 
THREE-DIMENSIONAL GAME WITH ROTATABLE TRACK PIECES FOR SELF-PROPELLED 
VEHICLE in which a predetermined course includes a plurality of rotational 
track members. The track members are mounted upon a support frame so as to 
be rotatable into a plurality of positions. Rotation of the track members 
is accomplished through manipulation of a set of attached knobs which are 
operated to alter the course configuration encountered by the self-powered 
vehicle. 
U.S. Pat. No. 1,791,071 issued to Coggon sets forth an APATUS FOR 
PLAYING GAMES in which a play surface is provided with a plurality of 
track paths which multiply intersect at a plurality of intersections. Each 
intersection is provided with a rotatable turntable-like device which 
alters the travel of a cooperating toy vehicle at each intersection. 
While the foregoing described prior art toy vehicle launchers and playsets 
have, in many instances, provided substantially increased enjoyment and 
amusement value, there remains a continuing need in the art for evermore 
improved and excited toy vehicle launchers. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an 
improved toy vehicle launcher. It is a more particular object of the 
present invention to provide an improved toy vehicle launcher capable of 
rapid firing or launching action. It is more particular object of the 
present invention to provide a rapid action toy vehicle launcher which 
automatically reloads a series of toy vehicle following each toy vehicle 
launching. 
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toy vehicle 
launcher comprises: a base defining a launch platform; a carriage 
pivotally coupled to the launch platform defining a pair of launch 
stations each configured to receive a toy vehicle; a pair of feed ramps 
coupled to the launch platform for receiving a plurality of toy vehicles; 
means for accelerating a toy vehicle; and operative means coupled to the 
carriage for pivotally moving the carriage to align one of the launch 
stations with one of the feed ramps and to align the other of the launch 
stations with the means for accelerating and for activating the means for 
accelerating.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle playset having a 
vehicle launcher constructed in accordance with the present invention and 
generally referenced by numeral 10. Launcher 10 includes a generally 
planar base 11 supporting a circular wheel grip 12 and defining a pair of 
elongated slots 18 and 20. Base 11 further defines a circular platform 13 
which in turn defines a forwardly extending launch gate 26. Launch gate 26 
is further coupled to an extending track 30. A pivotal carriage 16 defines 
a pair of arced sidewalls 21 and 22 together with a pair of launch 
stations 23 and 24. In accordance with an important aspect of the present 
invention, launch stations 23 and 24 are angularly displaced from each 
other. Launcher 10 further includes a movable striker 19 supported within 
slot 20 and a slide 25 movable within slot 18. Slide 25 supports a handle 
17 extending upwardly therefrom. Launcher 10 further includes a pair of 
inclined angularly displaced feed ramps 14 and 15 coupled to circular 
platform 13. A vehicle 50 is positioned within launch station 24 of 
pivotal carriage 16. Similarly, a vehicle 41 is positioned within launch 
station 23 of pivotal carriage 16. Feed ramps 14 and 15 are inclined 
downwardly toward circular platform 13. As a result, toy vehicles 
positioned upon ramps 14 and 15 are urged downwardly toward circular 
platform 13 by the force of gravity. A plurality of toy vehicles 42 
through 47 are positioned upon feed ramp 14 and thus are urged downwardly 
toward toy vehicle 41. Similarly, a plurality of toy vehicles 51 through 
56 are supported upon feed ramp 15 and are urged downwardly toward 
circular platform 13. 
In operation, circular platform 13 is positioned as shown in FIG. 1 having 
received toy vehicle 50 within launch station 24 and toy vehicle 41 within 
launch station 23. With launcher 10 initially in the position shown in 
FIG. 1, toy vehicle 50 is positioned within launch station 24 in alignment 
with striker 19 and launch gate 26. In addition, launch station 23 is 
positioned in alignment with feed ramp 14. Pivotal carriage 16 also 
defines a pair of curved upwardly extending wall portions 21 and 22 on 
either side of launch stations 23 and 24 respectively. As can be seen in 
FIG. 1 with pivotal carriage 16 in the position shown, wall 22 is 
positioned to partially obstruct the end portion of feed ramp 15. As a 
result, toy vehicles 51 through 56 supported upon inclined feed ramp 15 
are maintained in the position shown. The operation of launcher 10 is 
initiated by the user in grasping handle 17 and forcing handle 17 
forwardly in the direction of arrow 32 to move slide 25 within slot 18. By 
the operative mechanism set forth below, the movement of handle 17 and 
slide 25 in the direction indicated by arrow 32 draws striker 19 
rearwardly within slot 20 and away from launch station 24 of pivotal 
carriage 16. Once striker 19 is withdrawn from launch station 24, the 
continued forward motion of handle 17 and slide 25 in the direction 
indicated by arrow 32 causes striker 19 to be further withdrawn rearwardly 
and causes pivotal carriage 16 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction 
bringing launch station 23 into alignment with striker 19 and launch gate 
26. The pivotal motion of pivotal carriage 16 also brings launch station 
24 into alignment with the end portion of feed ramp 15. Thus, as pivotal 
carriage 16 is pivoted in the counterclockwise direction and launch 
station 24 is aligned with feed ramp 15, wall 22 no longer blocks the end 
portion of feed ramp 15. As a result, the gravitational force upon toy 
vehicles 51 through 56 urges the next toy vehicle, in this case vehicle 
51, outwardly from feed ramp 15 into launch station 24. Concurrently, as 
pivotal carriage 16 is pivoted in the counterclockwise direction, wall 21 
thereof blocks the end of feed ramp 14 and precludes further motion of toy 
vehicle 42. 
The pivotal motion of carriage 16 continues as slide 25 is moved forwardly 
until the release mechanism for striker 19 set forth below in greater 
detail releases striker 19 which under the urging of a captive spring 
moves rapidly forward to impact vehicle 41 within launch station 23 
causing vehicle 41 to be rapidly accelerated outwardly from circular 
platform 13 through launch gate 26. 
Once vehicle 41 has been launched and vehicle 51 has automatically replaced 
vehicle 50 within launch station 24, the movement of handle 17 and slide 
25 rearwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 31 causes the operative 
mechanism described below to again withdraw striker 19 rearwardly and 
pivot carriage 16. In this instance, however, the pivotal motion of 
carriage 16 is clockwise returning launch station 24 to alignment with 
striker 19 and launch gate 26 while returning the now empty launch station 
23 to alignment with the end portion of feed ramp 14. Once again, the 
pivotal motion of carriage 16 removes the obstruction of ramp 14 provided 
by wall 21 and permits the next available toy vehicle to be loaded into 
launch station 23. With handle 17 and slide 25 returned to the fully 
rearward position shown in FIG. 1, striker 19 is again released by the 
below described mechanism to drive the toy vehicle (in this case vehicle 
51) outwardly from launch station 24 through launch gate 26 and down track 
30. 
This process may be repeated in rapid succession by the user rapidly moving 
handle 17 back and forth within slot 18 causing alternate counterclockwise 
and clockwise pivotal motion of carriage 16 and the withdrawal and release 
of striker 19. Thus, in accordance with an important aspect of the present 
invention, it should be noted that as handle 17 and slide 25 are moved 
back and forth, the pivotal motion of carriage 16 brings a loaded launch 
station into alignment with striker 19 and launch gate 26 while 
simultaneously bringing an empty launch station into alignment with a feed 
ramp to replace the previously discharged or launched vehicle. Thus, rapid 
back and forth motion of handle 17 provides correspondingly rapid pivotal 
motion of carriage 16 and striker 19 to provide a rapid series of toy 
vehicles launches providing substantially enhanced play value and 
excitement for the user. 
FIG. 2 sets forth an enlarged top view of launcher 10 in the operation 
position shown in FIG. 1. As described above, launcher 10 includes a 
generally planar base 11 having a circular platform 13 coupled to a pair 
of angularly disposed feed ramps 14 and 15 on either side of the center 
line thereof. Base 11 further defines an elongated slot 18 within which a 
slot 25 is received and movable in the manner described above. Slide 25 
supports a handle 17 facilitating the movement of slide 25 back and forth 
within slot 18. Base 11 further defines an elongated slot 20 having a 
movable striker 19 supported therein. Striker 19 is free to travel back 
and forth within slot 20 and supports a forwardly extending hammer portion 
29. By means set forth below in greater detail, striker 19 defines a 
downwardly extending portion beneath base 11 which is coupled to an 
elongated coil spring 65, the ends of which are coupled to a pair of 
attachment posts 66 and 67. Spring 65 is operative to urge striker 19 
forwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 70. 
A pivotal carriage 16 is pivotally movable upon platform 13 by means set 
forth below in greater detail and defines a pair of arc-shaped walls 21 
and 22. Pivotal carriage 16 is generally semi-circular in shape and 
defines a pair of angularly disposed launch stations 23 and 24 configured 
for receiving toy vehicles such as vehicles 41 through 47 and 50 through 
56 (seen in FIG. 1). Pivotal carriage 16 is pivotally supported at a 
center pivot 68 in the manner set forth below in FIG. 4 in greater detail. 
The operative mechanism of launcher 10 is set forth below in greater 
detail. However, suffice it to note here that launcher 10 further includes 
an actuator 100, an arm 95, a connecting rod 59 and a pair of series 
coupled arms 90 and 91 supported beneath the upper surface of base 11 and 
circular platform 13. Actuator 100 includes an extending pivot arm 80 
having an aperture 81 defined therein. A connecting rod 59 is coupled to 
aperture 81 of arm 80 and extends generally parallel to slot 18 and is 
received within aperture 58 of tab 57. The latter extends downwardly on 
the underside of slide 25 as is better seen in FIG. 3. Actuator 100 
further defines an arcuate slot 101. Pivotal carriage 16 defines a 
corresponding tab 96 which extends downwardly into slot 101 to coupled 
pivotal carriage 16 to actuator 100. Arm 95 is pivotally supported about 
pivot 68 and defines a post 94. A spring 92 is coupled to post 94 at one 
end and to a fixed post 93 formed on the underside of platform 13 at the 
remaining end. Arm 95 defines an aperture 97 which also receives tab 96 
from carriage 16 thereby coupling arm 95 directly to carriage 16. Thus, 
arm 95 moves in a direct pivotal relationship to the pivotal motion of 
carriage 16 and cooperates with spring 92 to provide a "over-center" or 
snap-action which operates through arm 95 and carriage 16 to positively 
position carriage 16 in either of its alternate vehicle launch positions 
characterized by alignment of launch stations 23 and 24 with striker 19 
and launch gate 26. The series combination of connecting arm 90 and 
connecting arm 91 is coupled between pivot 68 and striker 19. 
Correspondingly, actuator 100 defines a pair of extending tabs 98 and 99 
which couple the pivotal motion of actuator 100 to arm 90 to provide the 
rearward motion of striker 90 in the direction of arrow 71 described above 
as handle 17 and slide 25 are moved. 
In the operative position shown in FIG. 2, handle 17 and slide 25 occupy 
their rearmost position within slot 18. Correspondingly, striker 19 
occupies its forwardmost position within slot 20 and extends into launch 
station 24. In this position, launch station 23 is aligned with feed ramp 
14 permitting toy vehicle 41 to move from feed ramp 14 into launch station 
23. Concurrently, the position of carriage 16 shown in FIG. 2 places wall 
22 in an obstructing position for the end portion of ramp 15 which in turn 
precludes further movement by toy vehicle 51. Thus, the position shown in 
FIG. 2 sets forth the relative position of the operative components of 
launcher 10 corresponding to a completed vehicle launch. Thus, it should 
be understood that a vehicle previously received within launch station 24 
has been impacted by striker 19 and now travels outwardly through launch 
gate 26 as shown by dashed line representation 50 of a toy vehicle. 
The next operative cycle of launcher 10 is undertaken by movement of handle 
17 forwardly within slot 18. This forward motion is communicated by 
connecting rod 59 to arm 80 of actuator 100 causing it to pivot. The 
pivotal motion of actuator 100 is coupled directly to arm 95 by tab 96. 
Initially, however, the length of slot 101 precludes operative coupling 
between actuator 100 and tab 96 of carriage 16. Thus, carriage 16 
initially remains unmoved as handle 17 is moved forwardly. The rotation of 
actuator 100 brings tab 99 against arm 90 causing arm 90 to pivot in a 
counterclockwise direction. The pivotal motion of arm 90 is coupled to 
striker 19 by arm 91 forcing striker 19 rearwardly in the direction 
indicated by arrow 71 and overcoming the force of spring 65. With 
continued forward motion of handle 17, the rotation of actuator 100 
continues and striker 19 is withdrawn from launch station 24. Once striker 
19 is withdrawn from launch station 24, tab 96 contacts the end portion of 
slot 101 of actuator 100 and further rotation of actuator 100 produces a 
corresponding rotation of carriage 16. As handle 17 continues to move 
forwardly, the rotation of actuator 100 continues causing the simultaneous 
rotation of carriage 16 and the rearward motion of striker 90. 
As carriage 16 pivots about pivot 68, wall 21 moves into an obstructing 
position for feed ramp 14 precluding further inward motion of toy vehicle 
42. Similarly, the extension of wall 22 continues to preclude further 
motion of toy vehicle 51. Thus, as carriage 16 continues to pivot and 
striker 19 continues to move rearwardly under the urging of handle 17, 
launch station 24 is brought into alignment with ramp 15 and launch 
station 23 supporting toy vehicle 41 is moved into alignment with striker 
19 and launch gate 26. 
The operative sequence of the launching mechanism of launcher 10 is set 
forth below in FIGS. 5 through 9 in greater detail. However, suffice it to 
note here that as the user continues to move handle 17 forwardly, launch 
station 24 is moved into alignment with ramp 15 permitting toy vehicle 51 
to move into launch station 24. Simultaneously, launch station 23 is moved 
into alignment with striker 19 and launch gate 26. As actuator 100 
continues to pivot, arms 90 and 91 are moved into a straight line 
alignment which provides the maximum rearward extension of striker 19 in 
the direction of arrow 71. This position is unstable due to the spring 
force of spring 65 and, as a result, the continuing motion of actuator 100 
causes tab 99 to move arms 90 and 91 over-center or beyond the straight 
line orientation. Once arms 90 and 91 are pivoted a small increment beyond 
the straight line position, the force of spring 65 is no longer resisted 
and arms 90 and 91 are rapidly collapsed as arm 90 pivots counterclockwise 
and arm 91 pivots clockwise releasing striker 90 which is moved forwardly 
into the launch station under the urging of spring 65 to impact the toy 
vehicle therein and drive the to vehicle outwardly through launch gate 26 
unto track 30. 
With the launch cycle completed and handle 17 at its forwardmost position 
within slot 18, the launch cycle may be repeated through the user's 
drawing of handle 17 rearwardly within slot 18 which in the manner 
described above withdraws striker 19 from launch station 23 and pivots 
carriage 16 in a clockwise direction to return launch station 23 to 
alignment with feed ramp 14 and to return launch station 24 to alignment 
with striker 19 and launch gate 26. Once again, further movement of handle 
17 in the rearward direction release striker 19 due to the over-center 
snap-action of arms 90 and 91 thereby permits spring 65 to move striker 19 
forwardly into launch station 24 and impact a toy vehicle loaded therein. 
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the launching action 
of launcher 10 is extremely rapid and the alternate clockwise and 
counterclockwise motion of carriage 16 which permits simultaneously launch 
and loading of toy vehicles provides extremely rapid vehicle launch 
capability. In addition, it will be equally apparent that the 
bidirectional action of the launch mechanism which provides vehicle launch 
at both ends of the travel of handle 17 and slide 25 further enhances the 
rapid launch capability of launcher 10 in that no return stroke or cocking 
motion is necessary since vehicles are launched in both directions of 
handle motion. 
FIG. 3 sets forth a partial section view of launcher 10 taken along section 
lines 3--3 in FIG. 2. As described above, base 11 defines an elongated 
slot 18 which receives a slide 25 in a slidable attachment. As is also 
described above, slide 25 supports a user operated handle 17 and a 
downwardly extending tab 57. Tab 57 defines an aperture 58. A connecting 
rod 59 defines a curved end portion which is received within aperture 58 
of tab 57 and which provides operative coupling between actuator 100 (seen 
in FIG. 2) and slide 25. In accordance with the action described above, 
handle 17 is moved by the user to cause corresponding motion of slide 25 
back and forth in the directions indicated by arrows 60 within slot 18. 
This back and forth motion is coupled by connecting rod 59 to actuator 
100. 
FIG. 4 sets forth a partial section view of launcher 10 taken along section 
lines 4--4 in FIG. 2. As described above, base 11 defines an elongated 
slot 20 which receives and supports striker 19. Striker 19 supports a 
forwardly extending hammer portion 29 and extends downwardly through slot 
20. A traveler 104 defines a slot 105 which receives the lower portion of 
striker 19 and which defines a downwardly extending post 106. Traveler 104 
is secured to striker 19 to captivate striker 19 within slot 20. A travel 
limit stop 103 extends downwardly in the forwardmost point of the travel 
path for striker 19. As is also described above, base 11 defines a 
circular platform 13 which in turn defines a recess 61. Pivotal carriage 
16 is received within recess 61 and defines a downwardly extending tab 96. 
Pivotal carriage 16 further defines a downwardly extending post 110 which 
is received by pivot 68. Base 11 further defines an upwardly extending 
boss 111 and a downwardly extending boss 112. Bosses 111 and 112 are 
joined to form the support structure for pivot 68. A fastener 113 is 
received within post 110 of carriage 16 and captivates pivotal carriage 16 
in a pivotal attachment to boss 112. A pivotal arm 95 is received upon 
boss 112 in a pivotal attachment and defines a post 94 at one end and an 
aperture 97 at the opposite end. Aperture 97 receives tab 96 to provide 
coupling between carriage 16 and arm 95. Recess 61 defines an elongated 
slot 102 which permits tab 96 to extend downwardly therethrough. A spring 
92 is coupled to post 94 and to a fixed post 93 (seen in FIG. 5). 
An actuator 100 is pivotally received upon boss 112 and defines an arcuate 
slot 101 and a pair of tabs 99 and 98 (the latter seen in FIG. 5). An arm 
90 is pivotally supported upon actuator 100 and pivots about pivot 68. Arm 
90 is coupled to one end of an arm 91 by a coupling 115. The remaining end 
of arm 91 is coupled to post 106 of traveler 104. 
FIGS. 5 through 9 set forth sequential stages of the operation of the 
present invention vehicle launch mechanism. By way of overview, FIG. 5 
depicts the operative position of launcher 10 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds 
to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 which as described above correspond 
to the end point of the previous launch cycle in which striker 19 has 
launched a vehicle from launch station 24 (seen in FIG. 2). FIG. 6 sets 
forth the initiation of the next launch cycle in which the user has moved 
slider 25 forwardly causing striker 19 to be withdrawn from launch station 
24 and causing carriage 16 to begin pivotal motion. 
FIG. 7 sets forth the rearmost travel position of striker 19 at slide 25 is 
moved forwardly and as carriage 16 continues to pivot bringing launch 
station 23 into alignment with striker 19. FIG. 8 sets forth the 
initiation of vehicle launch as arms 90 and 91 move over-center releasing 
striker 19 and permitting spring 65 to accelerate striker 19 forwardly. 
Concurrently, FIG. 8 shows the over-center snap action of spring 92 upon 
carriage 16 to positively lock carriage 16 into the proper alignment of 
launch station 23. FIG. 9 sets forth the initiation of the next launch 
cycle as slider 25 is moved rearwardly withdrawing striker 19 and pivoting 
carriage 16 in the opposite direction to align launch station 24 with 
striker 19. 
Specifically, FIG. 5 sets forth a bottom view of launcher 10. As described 
above, launcher 10 includes a planar base 11 defining a pair of slots 18 
and 20 and a circular platform 13. A pair of feed ramps 14 and 15 are 
angularly disposed with respect to base 11 and coupled to circular 
platform 13. A slider 25 is received within slot 18 and defines a 
downwardly extending tab 57 which in turn defines an aperture 58. A 
connecting rod 59 has one end received within aperture 58 and the 
remaining end received within an aperture 81 defined in arm 80 of an 
actuator 100. Actuator 100 is pivotally secured to circular platform 13 by 
a pivot mechanism (better seen in FIG. 4). Actuator 100 defines an arcuate 
slot 101 and a pair of extending tabs 98 and 99. Pivotal carriage 16 is 
pivotally coupled to pivot 68 and defines a downwardly extending tab 96. A 
slot 102 is formed in circular platform 13 to receive tab 96. An arm 95 is 
pivotally secured by pivot 68 and defines a post 94 at one end and an 
aperture 97 at the opposite end. The latter receives tab 96 to provide 
direct coupling between arm 95 and pivotal carriage 16. A spring 92 
couples post 94 of arm 95 to a fixed post 93 supported upon the underside 
of platform 13. 
A striker 19 extends downwardly through slot 20 and is received within slot 
105 of a traveler 104. Traveler 104 in turn defines a post 106. A pair of 
arms 90 and 91 are pivotally secured to pivot 68 and post 106 respectively 
and mutually coupled at a pivoting coupling 115. A spring 65 is coupled to 
posts 66 and 67 and to striker 19. Spring 65 provides a spring force 
urging striker 19 in the direction indicated by arrow 70. 
As described above, the operation of launcher 10 is initiated by the 
movement of slider 25 forwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 75. At 
the position shown in FIG. 5, the initial movement of slider 25 in the 
direction indicated by arrow 75 is coupled to arm 80 of actuator 100 by 
connecting rod 59 causing arm 80 and actuator 100 to be pivoted in the 
direction indicated by arrow 120. As actuator 100 pivots, tab 99 is 
brought into contact with arm 90 causing arm 90 to also begin pivoting in 
the direction indicated by arrow 120. During this initial movement of 
actuator 100, slot 101 is moved with respect to tab 96 which delays the 
pivotal motion of carriage 16. Once tab 99 contacts arm 90, the continuing 
pivotal motion of actuator 100 caused by further movement of slider 25 in 
the direction of arrow 75 causes arm 90 to continue pivoting in the 
direction indicated by arrow 120 forcing striker 19 rearwardly within slot 
20 in the direction of arrow 71 due to the coupling of arm 91. 
FIG. 6 sets forth the next operational stage in the function of launcher 10 
as slider 25 continues to be moved forwardly in the direction indicated by 
arrow 75. The operational stage shown in FIG. 6 shows actuator 100 pivoted 
in the direction of arrow 120 to the point where the end of slot 101 
contacts tab 96. The pivotal motion of arm 90 and the coupling of arm 91 
has driven striker 19 in the direction of arrow 71 overcoming the force of 
spring 65. The continued forward motion of slider 25 continues to pivot 
actuator 100. However, the contact of tab 96 of carriage 16 with the end 
point of slot 101 of actuator 100 now provides a coupling between actuator 
100 and carriage 16. As a result, carriage 16 (seen in FIG. 2) now begins 
pivotal motion in the direction indicated by arrow 120. 
FIG. 7 sets forth the next operative stage in the function of launcher 10 
in which slider 25 has been moved forwardly in the direction of arrow 75 
and approaches its maximum forward position. Correspondingly, the forward 
motion of slider 25 has pivoted actuator 100 in the direction of arrow 120 
causing carriage 16 to be pivoted correspondingly and to pivot arms 90 and 
91 into a near straight line relationship which moves striker 19 
rearwardly in the direction of arrow 71 causing spring 65 to be stretched 
maximally. Correspondingly, the pivotal motion of carriage 16 also pivots 
arm 95 bringing posts 94 and 93 into an aligned position and torquing 
spring 92. Thus, the position shown in FIG. 7, corresponds to the point of 
the launch cycle of launcher 10 in which the combination of arms 90 and 
91, spring 65 and slider 19 approach the over-center or snap-action point 
which results in releasing striker 19. The next small pivoting motion of 
actuator 100 moves coupling 115 over-center to a position from which 
resisting force is no longer provided by arms 90 and 91. As a result, the 
spring force of spring 65 rapidly accelerates striker 19 in the direction 
of arrow 70 causing arm 90 to pivot rapidly in the direction of arrow 120 
and causing arm 91 to pivot rapidly about post 106 in the direction of 
arrow 77. Concurrently, as actuator 100 pivots to force arms 90 and 91 
over-center, post 94 of arm 95 is also moved over-center with respect to 
stationary post 93. The result is a snap-action movement in which spring 
92 rapidly forces arm 95 and carriage 16 to quickly pivot in the direction 
of arrow 120 which aligns carriage 16 for vehicle launch. 
FIG. 8 sets forth the operational position of launcher 10 as striker 19 
moves rapidly forward in the direction of arrow 70 to complete the toy 
vehicle launch described above. Striker continues its forward motion in 
the direction of arrow 70 until traveler 104 impacts limit 103 completing 
the launch cycle. 
FIG. 9 sets forth the initiation of the next launch cycle which the user 
begins by moving slider 25 in the direction indicated by arrow 76. The 
motion of slider 25 in the direction indicated by arrow 76 causes actuator 
100 to be pivoted in the direction of arrow 121 bringing tab 98 of 
actuator 100 into contact with arm 90 and pivoting arm 90 to again move 
arms 90 and 91 toward straight line alignment and force striker 19 
rearwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 71. This motion continues 
as slider 25 is moved rearwardly in the direction of arrow 76 pivoting 
actuator 100 further in the direction of arrow 121 and moving arms 90 and 
91 into a straight line alignment in which striker 19 has been moved 
rearward stretching spring 65 maximally and approaching the snap-action or 
over-center position of arms 90 and 91. As slider 25 continues to move in 
the direction of arrow 76, the pivotal motion of actuator 100 drives arms 
90 and 91 over-center providing a snap-action similar to that described 
above but in the opposite direction which again collapses arms 90 and 91 
and releases the retaining force upon striker 19. With the collapse of the 
restraining force provided by arms 90 and 91, spring 65 rapidly moves 
striker 19 forwardly in the direction of arrow 70 to initiate the next 
vehicle launch. 
This launching process may be carried forward indefinitely as long as toy 
vehicles are provided upon ramps 14 and 15 as the user rapidly moves 
handle 17 and slider 25 back and forth within slot 18. 
What has been shown is a rapid action toy vehicle launcher which utilizes a 
pivoting carriage to alternately load and launch a succession of toy 
vehicles between alternative launch stations defined upon the pivoting 
carriage. The actuating mechanism responds to motion of the launch handle 
in either direction and eliminates the need for a return action or cocking 
motion of the launch mechanism. Thus, an extremely rapid launching action 
is achieved. 
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and 
described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and 
modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its 
broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all 
such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of 
the invention.