Patent Publication Number: US-2007099541-A1

Title: Hand-launchable fluid-boosted toy vehicle

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/728,467, filed Oct. 19, 2005, and entitled “Hand-Launchable Fluid-Boosted Toy Vehicle”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/733,043, filed Nov. 2, 2005, and entitled “Hand-Launchable Fluid-Boosted Toy Vehicle”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/775,885, filed Feb. 22, 2006, and entitled “Hand-Launchable Fluid-Boosted Toy Vehicle”; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/778,231, filed Mar. 1, 2006, and entitled “Hand-Launchable Toy Car”; all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The present disclosure relates generally to fluid-boosted toys, and more particularly to hand-launchable fluid-boosted toy vehicles, such as balls, rockets, double-rockets, darts, airplanes, double-airplanes, cars, or wheels.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      Examples of known launchable toy articles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,053, U.S. Pat. No. 4,213,268, U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,587, U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,146, U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,569, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,641, U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,216, U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,623, U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,042, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,414, and published patent application US20040040551. The disclosures of all of these patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.  
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      The present disclosure relates to a hand-launchable fluid-boosted toy vehicle. The toy vehicle may take the form of a ball, a rocket, a double-rocket, a dart, an airplane, a double-airplane, a car, or a wheel. A launchable toy vehicle may be configured to have two power sources. The first power source may launch the toy vehicle a certain distance using a hand-held launching device, an elastomeric band, or by being thrown. The second power source may use a propulsion booster, which includes a delay mechanism, from the release of pressurized fluid contained within the toy vehicle. The propulsion boost may occur after a delay or an interval. The delay or interval may be after a launch and while the toy vehicle is moving or is in flight. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of a toy vehicle for launching according to the present disclosure.  
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a launchable body of a toy vehicle for launching according to the present disclosure.  
       FIG. 2A  is a partially cutaway side view of a launchable body of a toy vehicle for launching according to the present disclosure.  
       FIGS. 3 and 4  are partially cutaway side views of a launchable body and a launcher of a toy vehicle for launching according to the present disclosure.  
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are partially cutaway side views of a launchable body of a toy vehicle for launching according to the present disclosure.  
       FIG. 7  is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of a wheeled toy vehicle according to the present disclosure.  
       FIG. 8  is a side view of a launchable body of a wheeled toy vehicle according to the present disclosure.  
       FIGS. 9, 10 , and  11  are partially cutaway side views of internal components of a launchable body of a wheeled toy vehicle according to the present disclosure.  
       FIGS. 12, 13 , and  14  are partially cutaway side views of internal components of a launchable body of a wheeled toy vehicle according to the present disclosure.  
       FIG. 15  is a bottom view of a launchable body of a wheeled toy vehicle according to the present disclosure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      A launchable toy vehicle may be configured to have two power sources. The first power source may launch the toy vehicle a certain distance using a hand-held launching device, an elastomeric band, or by being thrown. The second power source may provide the toy vehicle a propulsion boost from the release of pressurized fluid contained within the toy vehicle. The fluid may be any liquid (e.g., water), any gas (e.g., air), or any combination of liquid and gas. The propulsion boost may occur after a delay. The delay may be after a launch and while the toy vehicle is moving or is in flight. The toy vehicle may take any form, such as a rocket, an airplane, a car, or a ball, and may be accordingly configured as such.  
       FIGS. 1 through 6  show an illustrated embodiment of a toy vehicle, indicated generally at  10 , for launching. Toy vehicle  10  may include a launchable body  12 , a launcher  14 , and a slingshot  16 . Launchable body  12  may include an internal reservoir or chamber  18  for holding a fluid F, a covering mechanism  20 , an actuator  22  such as a rod or a plunger, a delay mechanism  24 , and a first holding member  26  (e.g., a hook or latch).  
      Launchable body  12  may be shaped like a rocket. Launchable body  12  may have a protective nose  30  and fins  32  to aid in flight. Launchable body  12  may have four fins  32 . Fins  32  may be permanently or removably attached to launchable body  12 . If removable, launchable body  12  may include fin receivers  34  fitted to hold fins  32  in place mechanically, frictionally, or by any other means. In some embodiments, launchable body  12  may be shaped like an airplane with wings and a tail, or shaped like a car with wheels, or may be shaped as desired.  
      Now turning to  FIG. 2 , chamber  18  is shown with an opening  36 . Chamber  18  may have a single compartment. Chamber  18  may also have a first compartment  38  in fluid communication with opening  36  and a second compartment  40  in fluid communication with first compartment  38  at a passage  41  having an aperture  42 . Passage  41  may allow a fluid F 1  (e.g., water) and a fluid F 2  (e.g., air) to pass between first compartment  38  and second compartment  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2 A, fluid F may pass through passage  41  and through aperture  42 .  
      Aperture  42  may be configured so that first compartment  38  may substantially hold a first pressurized fluid F 1  (e.g., water) while second compartment  40  may substantially hold a second pressurized fluid F 2  (e.g., air). When aperture  42  is positioned higher than opening  36 , as in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , first compartment  38  may substantially hold pressurized water while second compartment  40  may substantially hold pressurized air.  FIG. 1  shows an illustrative embodiment where aperture  42  is positioned higher than opening  36  when the launchable body  12  is held in a position for launch.  FIG. 2  shows an illustrative embodiment where aperture  42  is positioned higher than opening  36  when launchable body  12  is positioned horizontally relative to the ground or a surface.  
      In some embodiments, chamber  18  may be configured to maximize the propulsive release of pressurized fluid F through opening  36 .  FIG. 6  shows a configuration for releasing pressurized fluid F from chamber  18 . Pressurized fluid F 2  may flow from second compartment  40 , as shown by arrow X, through aperture  41  toward opening  36 , creating a force. The force of pressurized fluid F 2  may cause substantially all of pressurized fluid F 1  in first compartment  38  to propel through opening  36  within a minimized time interval. The force of pressurized fluid F 2  may force substantially all of pressurized fluid F 1  through opening  36  before substantially all of fluid F 2  releases through opening  36 . When aperture  42  is positioned higher than opening  36 , as best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the force of pressurized air from second compartment  40  may cause substantially all of pressurized water in first compartment  38  to propel through opening  36  within a minimized time interval.  
      In some embodiments, first compartment  38  may have a volume V a  and second compartment  40  may have a volume V b . Volume V b  may be larger than volume V a . Volume V b  may be larger than volume V a  to maximize the propulsion of pressurized fluid F through opening  36 . Volume V b  may be larger than volume V a  to maximize the force of pressurized air from second chamber  40  through aperture  42  on pressurized water in first chamber  38  when fluid F is being released through opening  36 .  
      Second compartment  40  may have a fill line  43  indicating, when launchable body  12  is in a nose-down position, the amount of fluid in second compartment  40  that corresponds to the amount of fluid volume V a  of first compartment  38 .  
      Covering mechanism  20  may be fitted to cover or seal opening  36  while chamber  18  contains pressurized fluid F, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Covering mechanism  20  may be operably movable to a position for allowing the release of pressurized fluid F from opening  36 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, covering mechanism  20  may include a cork or plug  44 , a lever  46 , and a lever biasing mechanism  48  (e.g., a coil or other spring).  
      Plug  44  may have a fluid inlet valve  50 , a plug chamber  51 , a first gasket  52  for creating a seal with opening  36 , a second gasket  54  for creating a seal with launcher  14 , and an arm  56 . Fluid inlet valve  50  may be disposed in plug chamber  51  so that fluid can be inserted through plug chamber  51  into chamber  18  while plug  44  is covering chamber  18 . Fluid inlet valve  50  may allow fluid F to pass through closed plug  44  into chamber  18  and prevent fluid F from flowing in the opposite direction.  
      Arm  56  may be operatively connected to launchable body  12  so that plug  44  may rotate away from opening  36  while remaining attached to launchable body  12 . In some embodiments, arm  56  may be connected to launchable body  12  in a slider slot so that plug  44  may first slide outward relative to opening  36  and then rotate away from opening  36  while remaining attached to launchable body  12 .  
      Lever  46  may have a wheel  58  mounted on lever  56 . Lever wheel  58  may be configured to rotatably move on lever  46 . Lever wheel  58  may rotate when plug  44  contacts lever  46 . Lever wheel  58  may aid plug  44  in releasing away from lever  46 .  
      Covering mechanism  20  may have at least a first (or un-activated) position, and be movable to a second (or activated) position. In the first position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , covering mechanism  20  may be biased to cover opening  36  to prevent the release of pressurized fluid F through opening  36 . In some embodiments, lever biasing mechanism  48  may urge lever  46  towards holding plug  44  in opening  36 , thereby preventing release of pressurized fluid F through opening  36 .  
      In the second position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , covering mechanism  20  may be positioned to allow fluid F to be propelled from chamber  18  through opening  36 . In some embodiments, lever  46  may release or disengage from plug  44  against the urging of lever biasing mechanism  48 . Plug  44  may be released from opening  36  to allow pressurized fluid F to be propelled through opening  36 .  
      Actuator  22  may be operable to move covering mechanism  20  to the second (or activated) position. Actuator  22  may be operable for movement between a starting position, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and an actuating position, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Actuator  22  may move between at least one intermediate position, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Actuator  22  may be operable to move translationally. Actuator  22  may be configured to move rotatably or in any way desired. In some embodiments, actuator  22  may have an actuator biasing mechanism  60  (e.g., a spring). Actuator  22  may include a rack or teeth  62  configured to slidingly mate with delay mechanism  24 , as detailed below.  
      In a starting position, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , actuator  22  may be positioned so that covering mechanism  20  is in the first (or un-activated) position. In a starting position, actuator  22  may be positioned so that actuator biasing mechanism  60  is compressed or coiled to urge or bias actuator  22  to move towards the actuating position. In a starting position, actuator  22  may be depressed into launchable body  12  so that actuator biasing mechanism  60  is compressed or coiled to urge or bias actuator  22  to move towards the actuating position. In a starting position, actuator  22  may be out of contact with lever  46 . In a starting position, the movement of actuator  22  may be controlled by delay mechanism  24  against the urging of actuator biasing mechanism  60 .  
      In the intermediate position, as shown in  FIG. 5 , actuator biasing mechanism  60  may urge actuator  22  to move actuator  22  towards the actuating position. In the intermediate position, actuator biasing mechanism  60  may urge or bias actuator  22  to move to a position away from a starting position towards the actuating position. In the intermediate position, covering mechanism  20  may remain in the second position. In the intermediate position, the movement of actuator  22  may be controlled by delay mechanism  24  against the urging of actuator biasing mechanism  60 .  
      In the actuating position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , actuator biasing mechanism  60  may urge or bias actuator  22  to move covering mechanism  20  to the second position. In the actuating position, actuator  22  may move lever  46  to the second position. In the actuating position, actuator  22  may be disengaged from delay mechanism  24  and moving under the urging of actuator biasing mechanism  60 . Actuator  22  may move at a faster rate when not controlled by delay mechanism  24  relative to the rate at which actuator  22  may move under the control of biasing mechanism  24 .  
      Delay mechanism  24  may be configured to control the movement of actuator  22  so that actuator  22  does not reach the actuating position until after a delay or an interval. Delay mechanism  24  may be configured to move actuator  22  from a starting position to the actuating position under a delay. The delay from when actuator  22  moves from a starting position to the actuating position may occur after launchable body  12  is launched. The delay may be selected so that the propulsion boost occurs while launchable body  12  remains moving or in flight. Delay mechanism  24  may cause actuator  22  to release each time actuator  22  is depressed into launchable body  12  at a fairly or substantially constant speed or rate so that actuator  22  each time extends back out at relatively the same time from launchable body  12 . Delay mechanism  24  may create a tension or a resistance force against the urging of actuator biasing mechanism  60  as actuator  22  moves from a starting position towards the actuating position. Again as best shown in  FIG. 6 , delay mechanism  24  may be configured to no longer control the movement of actuator  22  at some position or interval before the actuating position.  
      In some embodiments, delay mechanism  24  may have a dampener  64  to control the movement of actuator  22 . Dampener  64  may be configured to create a tension or a resistive force against the biasing or urging of actuator biasing mechanism  60  as actuator  22  moves. Dampener  64  may cause actuator  22  to move at a fairly or substantially constant rate.  
      In some embodiments, dampener  64  may include a pinion or wheel  66 , an axle  68 , and gearbox  70 . Pinion  66  may be coupled to slidingly engage with rack  62  of actuator  22 . Pinion  66  may be coupled to axle  68  to rotate as the gears in gearbox  70  rotate. Gearbox  70  may be configured to create a tension or resistive force against the urging of actuator biasing mechanism  60  as actuator  22  moves. Gearbox  70  may be configured to create a resistive force or tension, and any configuration that may cause a delay is suitable. Gearbox  70  may cause pinion  66  to rotate on axle  68  at a fairly or substantially constant speed or rate causing actuator  22  to move towards the actuating position at a fairly or substantially constant speed or rate. At some position or interval before the actuating position, pinion  66  may disengage from rack  62  so that actuator  22  may move towards the actuating position under the urging of actuator biasing mechanism  60 , as shown in  FIG. 6 .  
      Launcher  14  may include a mounting track  72 , a pump  74 , and a launch mechanism  76 . Pump  74  may include a fluid chamber  77  with a fluid outlet  78 , a plunger  80 , and a pressure check valve  82 . Fluid outlet  78  is alignable with fluid inlet valve  50  for pressurizing fluid F in launchable body  12 . Pressure check valve  82  may be configured to release air from pump  74  when chamber  18  is suitably pressurized. Pressure check valve  82  may be configured to signal when chamber  18  is suitably pressurized, such as by whistling or making a sound. Any suitable pump for pressurizing fluid F in a chamber may be used.  
       FIG. 3  shows that launch mechanism  76  may include a trigger or finger pull  84 , a trigger bias  86  (e.g., a coil or other spring), and a stop  88 . Trigger bias  86  normally biases trigger  84  to engage and hold a second holding member  89  mounted on launchable body  12 . Stop  88  may be positioned to hold actuator  22  of launchable body  12  in a starting position when launchable body  12  is operatively coupled to launcher  14 .  
       FIG. 4  shows that trigger  84  may be pulled against trigger bias  86  to disengage trigger  84  from second holding member  28 . Launchable body  12  may be released from launcher  14  when trigger  84  is disengaged from second holding member  28 . Launchable body  12  may be released from launcher  14  when trigger  84  is disengaged from second holding member  28  by slingshot  16 .  
      Returning to  FIG. 1 , slingshot  16  includes a sling housing  90 , a sling arm  92 , and an elastomeric or rubber band  94 . Sling housing  90  may include a shield to protect the user (e.g., the user&#39;s hand) during launch. Sling arm  92  may have a first end pivotally connected to sling housing  90 , and a second end operatively connected to elastomeric band  94 . The pivotal motion of sling arm  92  on sling housing  90 , as depicted in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 , may aid the launch of launchable body  12  into flight. Elastomeric band  94  may be configured to be releasably attached to first holding member  26  and to be stretched to create tension for launching launchable body  12  away from launcher  14 . Elastomeric band  94  may be any stretchable or tension-creating material.  
      The following paragraphs describe an illustrative method of using toy vehicle  10  for launching. Launchable body  12  may be filled with water through opening  36  into chamber  18 , e.g., up to fill line  43 . Actuator  22  may be set to a starting position. Covering mechanism  20  may be in the first (non-activating) position, thereby holding fluid F in chamber  18  and allowing pressure to build in chamber  18  until release.  
      As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , launchable body  12  may be mounted to launcher  14  so that stop  88  stops actuator  22  in a starting position, covering mechanism  20  is in the first position, and fluid outlet  78  is aligned with fluid inlet valve  50 . By moving plunger  80  in and out of pump  74 , in a reciprocating motion like that of a common tire pump, air may be pushed out of fluid outlet  78  through fluid inlet valve  50  and into chamber  18 , thereby pressurizing fluid F in chamber  18 . Launchable body  12  may be positioned for launch so that the pressurized water substantially settles and substantially remains in first compartment  38  and pressurized air substantially remains in second compartment  40 .  
      Slingshot  16  may be coupled to first holding member  26  of launchable body  12  and elastomeric band  94  may be stretched to a predetermined length to create tension. Launchable body  12  may then be launched from launcher  14  by slingshot  16 , as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4  shows trigger  84  being squeezed and launchable body  12  releasing from launcher  14  under the tension of elastomeric band  94 . Covering mechanism  20  remains in the first position in  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 5  shows that actuator biasing mechanism  60  may urge actuator  22  to move actuator  22  toward the actuating position. Covering mechanism  20  may remain in the second position during some interval or delay while actuator  22  is being urged to the actuating position. Delay mechanism  24  may control the movement of actuator  22  so that actuator  22  does not reach the actuating position until after the launch. Delay mechanism  24  may control actuator  22  to move to the actuating position at some delay or interval when launchable body  22  is moving or is in flight.  
       FIG. 6  shows actuator  22  reaching the actuating position under the urging of actuator biasing mechanism  60 . Acutator  22  may reach the actuating position while lanchable toy  12  is moving or is in flight. At the actuating position, actuator  22  may move covering mechanism  20  to the second position. Delay mechanism  24  may disengage from actuator  22  at some interval after actuator  22  has left a starting position. Delay mechanism  24  may disengage from actuator  22  at some interval before actuator  22  reaches the actuating position.  
      When covering mechanism  20  is in the second position, pressurized fluid F in reservoir  20  may propel through opening  36 , providing launchable body  12  with a propulsion boost. Substantially all of the pressurized water contained in first compartment  38  may propel out of opening  36  within a minimized time interval and/or before substantially all of the pressurized gas is propelled out of opening  36  to provide a propulsion boost.  
      Attention is now directed to  FIGS. 7 through 15 , showing a toy vehicle, indicated generally at  110 , for launching.  FIG. 7  shows that toy vehicle  110  may comprise a wheeled launchable body  112 , a pump  114 , and a ramp system  116 . Launchable body  112  may be shaped like a car with a set of front wheels  118  mounted to a front axle  120 , a set of back wheels  122  mounted to a back axle  124 , and a pump receiver  125 . Launchable body  112  may also be configured to release pressurized fluid F, as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 7 . The release of pressurized fluid F may provide a propulsion boost to launchable body  112 .  
      Turning to  FIG. 8 , launchable body  112  may include a reservoir or chamber  126 , for holding fluid F, with an opening  128 . Opening  128  may be sealed or covered with a covering mechanism  130 .  
      Chamber  126  may have a single compartment. Chamber  126  may also have a first compartment  132  in fluid communication with opening  128  and a second compartment  134  in fluid communication with first compartment  132  at a passage  135  having an aperture  136 . Passage  135  may allow a fluid F 1  (e.g., water) and a fluid F 2  (e.g., air) to pass between first compartment  132  and second compartment  134 . Chamber  126  may configured to operate similarly to chamber  18  of toy vehicle  10 .  
      Aperture  136  may be configured so that first compartment  132  may substantially hold a first pressurized fluid F 1  (e.g., water) while second compartment  134  may substantially hold a second pressurized fluid F 2  (e.g., air). When aperture  136  is positioned higher than opening  128 , as in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , first compartment  132  may substantially hold pressurized water while second compartment  134  may substantially hold pressurized air.  FIGS. 7 and 8  show an illustrative embodiment where aperture  136  is positioned higher than opening  128  when launchable body  112  is positioned horizontally relative to the ground or a surface.  
      In some embodiments, chamber  126  may be configured to maximize the propulsive release of pressurized fluid F through opening  128 . The dashed lines in  FIG. 7  depict a configuration for releasing pressurized fluid F from chamber  126 . Pressurized fluid F 2  may flow from second compartment  134  through aperture  136  toward opening  128 , creating a force. The force of pressurized fluid F 2  may cause substantially all of pressurized fluid F 1  in first compartment  132  to propel through opening  128  within a minimized time interval. The force of pressurized fluid F 2  may force substantially all of pressurized fluid F 1  through opening  36  before substantially all of fluid F 2  releases through opening  36 . When aperture  136  is positioned higher than opening  128 , the force of pressurized air from second compartment  134  may cause substantially all of pressurized water in first compartment  132  to propel through opening  128  within a minimized time interval.  
      In some embodiments, first compartment  132  may have a volume V a  and second compartment  134  may have a volume V b . Volume V b  may be larger than volume V a . Volume V b  may be larger than volume V a  to maximize the propulsion of pressurized fluid F through opening  128 . Volume V b  may be larger than volume V a  to maximize the force of pressurized air from second chamber  134  through aperture  136  on pressurized water in first chamber  132  when fluid F is being released through opening  128 .  
      Second compartment  134  may have a fill line  138  indicating, when launchable body  112  is in a nose-down position, the amount of fluid in second compartment  134  that corresponds to the amount of fluid volume V a  of first compartment  132 .  
      In some embodiments, chamber  126  may have a pressure check valve  139  configured to release fluid when chamber  126  has reached a suitable pressure level.  
      Covering mechanism  130  may be fitted to cover or seal opening  128  while chamber  126  contains pressurized fluid F, as shown in solid lines in  FIG. 7 . Covering mechanism  130  may be operably movable to a position allowing the release of pressurized fluid F from opening  128 , as show in dashed lines in  FIG. 7 .  
      Now referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , covering mechanism  130  may include a cork or plug  140 , a lever  142  with a wheel  144  mounted on lever  142 , and a lever biasing mechanism  146  (e.g., a coil or other spring). Plug  140  may have a fluid inlet valve  148  disposed within a fluid chamber  149 , a first gasket  150  for creating a seal with opening  128 , a second gasket  152  for creating a seal with pump  114 , and an arm  154 . Fluid inlet valve  148  may allow fluid F to pass through closed plug  140  into chamber  127  and prevent fluid F from flowing in the opposite direction. Plug  140  may be configured similarly to plug  44  on toy vehicle  10 .  
      Covering mechanism  130  may have at least a first (or un-activated) position, and a second (or activated) position. Covering mechanism  130  may be configured like covering mechanism  20  on toy vehicle  10 . In the first position, as shown in  FIGS. 8, 9  and  10 , covering mechanism  130  may be biased to cover opening  128  to prevent the release of pressurized fluid F through opening  128 . In some embodiments, lever biasing mechanism  146  may urge lever  142  towards holding plug  140  in opening  128 , thereby preventing release of pressurized fluid F through opening  128 .  
      In the second position, as shown in  FIG. 11 , covering mechanism  130  may be positioned to allow fluid F to be propelled from chamber  126  through opening  128 . In some embodiments, lever  142  may release or disengage from plug  140  against the urging of lever biasing mechanism  146 . Plug  140  may be released from opening  128  to allow pressurized fluid F to be propelled through opening  128 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 12 , launchable body  112  may further include an actuator  156  such as a wheel, a delay mechanism  158 , and an actuator setter  160 . Actuator  156  may be operable to move covering mechanism  130  to the second (or activated) position. Actuator  156  may be operably movable in response to the movement of the vehicle. Actuator  156  may include teeth  162  disposed along the rim of actuator  156 , a lever engager  164 , and a setter stopper  166 . Actuator  156  may be shaped like a wheel driven by a worm gear  168 . Lever engager  164  may be shaped like a wedge configured to engage and move lever  142  to the second position. Setter stopper  166  may be configured to interact with actuator setter  160 , as described below.  
      Actuator  156  has at least one starting position and an actuating position. In a starting position, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , actuator  156  may be positioned so that covering mechanism  130  is in the first position. In a starting position, lever engager  164  may be positioned so that lever  142  remains biased towards holding plug  140  in opening  128 , thereby preventing release of pressurized fluid F. In a starting position, lever engager  164  may be out of contact with lever  142 .  
      In the actuating position, as shown in  FIG. 11 , actuator  156  may move covering mechanism  130  to the second position. In the actuating position, lever engager  164  may move lever  142  so that lever  142  releases from plug  140  allowing fluid F to propel out of opening  128 . In the actuating position, lever engager  164  may be in contact with lever  142 .  
      Delay (or timer) mechanism  158  may be operatively coupled to actuator  156  to control the movement of actuator  156 . Delay mechanism  158  may be configured to move actuator  156  in response to the movement of toy vehicle  110 . Delay mechanism  158  may be configured to move as the vehicle wheels, e.g., back wheels  122 , rotate. Delay mechanism  158  may be configured to control the movement of actuator  156  so that actuator  156  does not reach the actuating position until after an interval or a delay. The interval or delay from when actuator  156  moves from a starting position to the actuating position may occur while launchable body  112  is moving.  
      Again referring to  FIG. 9 , delay mechanism  158  may include an actuator engager  168 , such as a worm gear, and a ratchet system  170 . Actuator engager  168  may be configured to move with back wheels  122  on back axle  124 . Actuator engager  168  may be mounted to back axle  124 . Actuator engager  168  may be operatively coupled with actuator  156 . Actuator engager  168  may include worm (or spiral-like teeth)  172  operatively coupled with actuator  156 . Actuator engager  168  may be configured to move actuator  156  by using a worm gear-worm wheel configuration.  
      In some embodiments, actuator  156  may move about a substantially vertical axis as actuator engager  168  rotates about a substantially horizontal axis. Actuator engager  168  may rotate about a substantially horizontal axis as back wheels  124  rotate about a substantially horizontal axis. Actuator engager  168  may be configured to rotate about back axle  124  in the same direction as back axle  124  is rotating, or in the opposite direction as back axle  124  is rotating. Other suitable orientations of these axes may be used.  
      Now turning to  FIG. 12 , ratchet system  170  may be configured so that actuator engager  168  may rotate in one direction about back axle  124 . Ratchet system  170  may be configured to allow actuator  156  to move to the actuating position as back axle  124  rotates in a forward direction FD. Ratchet system  170  may be configured so that actuator  156  does not move or rotate with back axle  124  as back axle  124  rotates in a reverse direction RD.  
      Ratchet system  170  may include a ratchet  174  mounted to back axle  124 .  
      Ratchet  174  may have first angled teeth  176  operatively coupled to second angled teeth  178 . Second angled teeth  178  may be mounted to actuator engager  168 . Ratchet  174  may further have a ratchet biasing mechanism  180  (e.g., a coil or other spring) urging first angled teeth  176  to couple with second angled teeth  178 . Ratchet  174  may be mounted to rotate as back axle  124  rotates. Ratchet  174  may be mounted to always rotate with back axle  124 . Ratchet  174  may be mounted to always rotate in the same direction as back axle  124  rotates.  
      First angled teeth  176  may be operatively coupled to second angled teeth  178  to function like a ratchet, or any other suitable arrangement, to restrict motion or rotatable movement in one direction. In some embodiments, first angled teeth  176  and second angled teeth  178  may be configured so actuator engager  168  rotates with back axle  124  as launchable body  112  moves in forward direction FD. First angled teeth  176  and second angled teeth  178  may be configured so actuator engager  168  does not rotate with back axle  124  as launchable body  112  moves in rearward direction RD. As back wheels  122  and back axle  124  rotate in rearward direction RD, angled teeth  176  and angled teeth  178  may disengage against the urging of ratchet biasing mechanism  180 . In this manner, ratchet system  170  may function like a ratchet, causing actuator  156  not to rotate with back axle  124  as launchable body  112  moves in rearward direction RD.  
      Now turning to  FIG. 12 , actuator setter  160  may allow actuator  156  to be set to a predetermined starting position away from the actuating position. Actuator setter  160  may include a setter tab  182 , at least one axle biasing mechanism  184  (e.g., spring), and a setter biasing mechanism  186  (e.g., a coil or other spring).  
      Setter tab  182  may be set to a predetermined starting position for actuator  156 . Setter tab  182  may be a tab that is configured to stop stopper  166  on actuator  156  from rotating past setter tab  182 .  
      Setter biasing mechanism  186  may be operatively coupled to actuator  156  to urge actuator  156  towards a predetermined starting position. In some embodiments, setter biasing mechanism  186  may urge actuator  156  to rotate counterclockwise about a substantially vertical axis towards a predetermined starting position. Stopper  166  on actuator  156  may come into contact with setter tab  182  of actuator setter  160  under the bias of setter biasing mechanism  186  at a predetermined starting position. Stopper  166  may hold or stop actuator  156  in a predetermined starting position against the urging of setter biasing mechanism  186 . In some embodiments, actuator engager  168  may be out of contact with actuator  156  for setter biasing mechanism  186  to urge actuator  156  towards a predetermined starting position. In some embodiments, when actuator engager  168  is operatively coupled to actuator  156 , setter biasing mechanism  186  may be prevented from urging actuator  156  towards a predetermined starting position.  
      To set actuator  156  to a predetermined position, setter tab  182  may be rotated. In some embodiments, actuator engager  168  may be out of contact with actuator  156  for setter tab  182  to set actuator  156  in a predetermined starting position. In some embodiments, when actuator engager  168  is operatively coupled to actuator  156 , setter tab  182  may be prevented from being set to a predetermined starting position.  
      As setter tab  182  rotates, actuator  156  may rotate. In turn, as actuator  156  rotates, lever engager  168  may rotate closer to or further from lever  142 . Setter tab  182  may be used to move lever engager  164  closer to or further from the actuating position. In some embodiments, setter tab  182  may be rotated on a substantially vertical axis in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. Rotating setter tab  182  in a clockwise direction may increase the interval or delay for actuator  156  between the predetermined starting position and the actuating position. Rotating setter tab  182  in a counterclockwise direction may decrease the interval or delay for actuator  156  between the predetermined staring position and the actuating position. Other suitable orientations of these axes and directions may be used.  
      While setter tab  182  is moved to set actuator  156  to a predetermined starting position, actuator engager  168  may be out of contact with actuator  156 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , axle biasing mechanism  184  may urge back axle  124  and actuator engager  168  out of contact with actuator  156 . When actuator engager  168  is out of contact with actuator  156 , setter biasing mechanism  186  may urge actuator  156  towards the predetermined starting position. Setter tab  182  may be moved to a predetermined starting position when actuator engager  168  is out of contact with actuator  156 .  
      With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 13 , axle biasing mechanism  184  may urge back axle  124  out of contact with actuator  156  when launchable body  112  is out of contact with a surface or the ground. Axle biasing mechanism  184  may urge back axle  124  out of contact with actuator  156  when back wheels  122  are out of contact with a surface or the ground, as depicted in dashed lines in  FIG. 8 . When back wheels  22  are out of contact with a surface or the ground, setter biasing mechanism  186  may urge actuator  156  towards a predetermined starting position. When back wheels  22  are out of contact with a surface or the ground, actuator setter  160  may set actuator  156  to a predetermined starting position.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 15 , axle biasing mechanism  184  may urge back axle  124  out of contact with actuator  156  when launchable body  112  is turned over. Setter biasing mechanism  186  may urge actuator  156  towards a predetermined starting position while launchable body  112  is turned over. Setter tab  182  may be set while launchable body  112  is turned over.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 14 , back axle  124  and actuator engager  168  are shown operatively engaged to actuator  156 . The weight of launchable body  112  may overcome the urging of axle biasing mechanism  184  when back wheels  122  are in contact with a surface or the ground, as shown in solid lines in  FIG. 8 . When launchable body  112  is in contact with a surface or the ground, actuator engager  168  may be operatively engaged to actuator  156 . Actuator  156  may be operably moved from to the actuating position when actuator engager  168  is in contact with actuator  156 . Actuator  156  may be moved to the actuating position when back wheels  124  are in contact with the surface. Actuator setter  160  may allow actuator  156  to move towards the actuator position as back wheels  122  rotate.  
      In some embodiments, setter tab  182  may be set to hold actuator  156  at one of multiple predetermined starting positions. Now referring to  FIG. 15 , actuator setter  160  may further include a holder cover  188  with a slit  190 , notches  192 , and indicia  194 . Slit  190  may be curved and may be fittably sized for setter tab  182  to fit and rotate in slit  190 . Notches  192  may be configured to hold setter tab  182  by frictional force, mechanical force, or by any other means. Each notch  192  may be fitted to hold setter tab  182  at a different interval. Each different interval may indicate a different predetermined starting position for actuator  156 . Each different interval may indicate a different interval of movement of launchable body  112 , or delay, before actuator  156  reaches the actuating position. Indicia  194  may indicate the relative interval or delay between the predetermined starting position and the actuating position corresponding to each notch  192 .  
      In some embodiments,  FIG. 9  may depict actuator  156  set at a first predetermined location. In some embodiments,  FIG. 10  may depict show actuator  156  set at a second predetermined location.  
      Returning to  FIG. 7 , pump  114  may incorporate a trigger  196 , a fluid chamber  197  with a fluid outlet  198  and a plunger  200 . Pump  114  may be used to pressurize fluid F in chamber  126 . Trigger  196  may releasably engage with pump receiver  125 . Plunger  200  may be moved up and down, as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 7 , to pump fluid (e.g., air) out outlet  198  through fluid inlet valve  148  into chamber  126 . Fluid inlet valve may restrict fluid F to flow only from pump  114  to chamber  126 . Any suitable pump configuration for pressurizing fluid may be used.  
      Ramp system  116  may include a ramp  202 , a base  204 , and a trick piece  206 . Ramp  202  may be attached to base  204  in a plurality of positions, as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 7 . The different attachment positions may allow a user to adjust ramp  202  to the desired angle and steepness relative to base  204 . Trick piece  206  may be placed on ramp  202  at various positions. Other accessories can also be included with wheeled toy vehicle system  110 , such as decals, toy vehicle tracks, or any other desired accessory.  
      The following paragraphs describe an illustrative method of using toy vehicle  110 . Launchable body  112  may be filled with water through opening  128  into chamber  126 . Water may be added, e.g., when launchable body  112  is positioned nose-down, up to fill line  138 . Actuator  156  may be set to a starting position. Covering mechanism  130  may be set to the first position, thereby holding water in chamber  126  and allowing pressure to build in chamber  126  until release. Opening  128  may be sealed or covered with plug  140 . Lever biasing mechanism  146  may urge lever  142  towards holding plug  140  to cover or seal opening  128 .  
      Launchable body  112  may be turned over, as in  FIG. 15 . Because launchable body  112  is turned over, delay mechanism  158  may be urged by axle biasing mechanism  184  to disengage from actuator  156 . Setter tab  182  may be rotated to any notch  192  to set actuator setter  160  and actuator  156  to a predetermined starting position. Setter tab  182  may be rotated to any notch  192  to set a delay interval between a starting position and the actuating position for actuator  156 .  
      Launchable body  112  may be flipped upright, as in  FIG. 7 , and releasably mounted to pump  114  to pressurize the water in chamber  126  with air. Launchable body  112  may be disengaged from pump  114 . Launchable body  112  may be positioned, e.g., nose-up, before launch to ensure the water is substantially transferred from second compartment  134  to first compartment  132 . Launchable body  112  may be shaken while launchable body is positioned nose-up to ensure the water is substantially transferred from second compartment  134  to first compartment  134 .  
      Launchable body  112  may be set on a surface. Actuator  156  and delay mechanism  158  may engage when launchable body  112  is set on the surface, as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
      Launchable body  112  may be rolled in a forward direction FD along a surface.  FIG. 9  shows the rotation of back axle  124  as launchable body  112  is rolled along a surface in a forward direction FD. The rotation of back wheels  122  along the surface may rotate back axle  124  and actuator engager  168 . The rotation of actuator engager  168  may rotate actuator  156  toward the actuating position.  
       FIG. 10  shows that actuator  156  may be rotated from a starting position or a predetermined starting position towards the actuating position while launchable body  112  is rolling in a forward direction FD. Covering mechanism  130  may remain in the second position during some interval after launchable body  112  is launched. Covering mechanism  130  may remain in the second position during some interval while launchable body  112  is moving.  
       FIG. 11  shows that at some interval after launch and while launchable body  112  is moving, actuator  156  may move into the actuating position. Actuator  156  may move into the actuating position while launchable body  112  is moving in a forward direction FD′. Covering mechanism  130  may move to the second position. Lever engager  164  may move lever  142  to the second position. Lever  142  may be released or disengaged from plug  140 . Plug  140  may be released from opening  128 . Pressurized fluid F may be propelled through opening  128 . The release of pressurized fluid F may act as an energy source, providing a propulsion boost for launchable body  112 .  
      Launchable body  112  may be lifted from the surface. Back wheels  122  may be disengaged from the surface when launchable body  112  is lifted, as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 8 . Axle biasing mechanism  184  may urge delay mechanism  158  to disengage from actuator  156 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . In turn, setter biasing mechanism  186  may urge actuator  156  towards the predetermined starting position. Stopper  166  may rotate with actuator  156  as actuator  156  is being urged towards the predetermined starting position. Setter tab  182  of actuator setter  160   156  may stop and hold stopper  166 . Setter tab  182  may hold actuator  156  in the predetermined starting position.  
      Actuator setter  160  may be set when launchable body  112  is lifted from the surface. Actuator  156  may be set to a predetermined starting position using actuator setter  160 .  
      The present disclosure encompasses other embodiments. In some embodiments, the delay mechanism may include at least one delay button. The at least one delay button may be positioned so a user can hold the actuator out of the actuating position without using a launcher. The at least one button may have a depressed position and be biased towards a released position. In the depressed position, the button(s) may hold the actuator in a starting position while the button(s) is being held by a user. In the released position, the button(s) may disengage from the actuator, allowing the actuator to move to the engaging position. The button(s) may be configured to move from a starting position to the releasing position after a delay. Once the button(s) is released, the button(s) may move after a delay from a starting position to the released position, thereby releasing the actuator. The delay may be after a launch. The delay may be while the launchable body is moving or in flight.  
      In some embodiments, the delay mechanism or the dampener may function like those typically found in music boxes. As such, the delay mechanism may be a time-delayed, spring-loaded, constant-speed delayed release mechanism.  
      In some embodiments, such as a double-airplane or a double-rocket, a launchable body (e.g., a first rocket or airplane) may be releasably coupled to a launchable member (e.g., a second rocket or airplane) so that the body carries the member for a certain distance after a launch. The body may be configured to release pressurized fluid in a chamber as described in other embodiments. The body may also include a hollow tube in fluid communication with the chamber through which the pressurized fluid may be released. The member may include a hollow fuselage sized to receive the hollow tube of the body. After a delay or an interval, the body may release pressurized fluid through the hollow tube. The member may speed away from the body. The delay may occur after launch. The delay may occur while the body and the member are moving or are in flight. The body and the member may be shaped like an airplane, a rocket, a car, or any other form or combination desired.  
      It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where any claim recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claim should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.  
      Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through presentation of new claims in a related application. Such new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.  
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
      The methods and apparatus described in the present disclosure are applicable to toys, games, and other devices, and industries in which amusement devices are used.