Abstract:
A motion sensing device for producing either an audio or a visual output includes a toy body, a motion sensor, either a sound generating device or a light generating device, and a control circuit. The motion sensor is coupled to the toy body. The motion sensor defines a cavity and has at least three contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity. The moveable object is positionable between at least a first position in which, the movable object bridges a first combination of two of the at least three contacts to form a first circuit input, and a second position, in which the moveable object bridges a second combination of two of the at least three contacts forming a second circuit input. The control circuit is coupled to the toy body and is electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to the generating device. The control circuit is configured to transmit a varying actuation signal to the generating device based upon the rate of change of the moveable object between the first position and the second position. In another aspect of the invention, a toy includes a toy body, a control unit, a motion sensor, either a generating device, and a control circuit. In another aspect of the invention, a control unit for a riding toy having a toy body is provided and includes a housing, a motion sensing means, a generating device, and a control circuit. The housing is removably coupled to the toy body of the riding toy.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of motion induced sound and light generating devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a riding toy configured to generate sounds and lights in response to the motion of the toy. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Children enjoy playing on riding toys, particularly toys that move in a generally cyclical motion. Children also enjoy playing with toys shaped as vehicles, animals, dinosaurs and other conventional shapes. Boys and girls alike often participate in role playing in which the child pretends to be a policeman, fireman, cowboy, cowgirl or other adult role. When playing such roles, children often simulate role related noises. For example, for a policeman role, police related sounds are often generated, such as a siren, communications with a central dispatcher and police vehicle noises. Additionally, children are especially attracted to interactive toys which produce sounds or lights in response to the child&#39;s input. 
     Riding toys are well known. Riding toys which produce sounds when the child depresses a pushbutton or when air is moved through the toy are also generally known. Riding toys typically resemble animals, dinosaurs or vehicles. Other toys, such as impact balls or small musical toys, which produce a sound when impacted are also known. 
     Existing riding toys, however, have a number of drawbacks. Such riding toys typically require the child to remove one or both hands from the handles of the riding toy in order to initiate sounds. Existing riding toys also provide only minimal interactive play options for the child. Riding toys typically produce no sound or lights in response to the child&#39;s riding of the toy. Those toys which do produce a sound when the toy is moved typically do not provide variations in the sound output of the toy based upon the child&#39;s movement of the toy. 
     Thus, there is a need for an improved riding toy which produces sound or light in response to the child&#39;s operation of the toy. It would also be advantageous to provide a riding toy that produces varying signals based upon the motion imparted by the child to the riding toy. What is needed is riding toy which interacts with the child&#39;s actions and is safe, fun and easy for children to use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a principal aspect of the invention, a motion sensing device for producing at least one of an audio and a visual output includes a toy body, a motion sensor, either a sound generating device or a light generating device, and a control circuit. The motion sensor is coupled to the toy body. The motion sensor defines a cavity and has at least three contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity. The sound generating device or the light generating device is coupled to the toy body. The control circuit is coupled to the toy body and is electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to either the sound generating device or the light generating device. The control circuit is configured to transmit a varying actuation signal to either the sound generating device or the light generating device based upon the rate of change of the moveable object within the cavity. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a toy includes a toy body, a control unit, a motion sensor, either a sound generating device or a light generating device and a control circuit. The motion sensor is coupled to the control unit. The motion sensor defines a cavity has a first and second set of contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity. The moveable object is positionable between at least a first position in which, the movable object bridges the first set of contacts, and a second position, in which the moveable object bridges the second set of contacts. The sound generating device or the light generating device is coupled to the toy body. The control circuit is coupled to the control unit and is electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to either the sound generating device or the light generating device. The control circuit is configured to transmit a varying actuation signal to either the sound generating device or the light generating device based upon the rate of change of the moveable object between the first position and the second position. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a control unit for a riding toy having a toy body is provided. The control unit includes a housing, a motion sensing means, either a sound generating device or a light generating device, and a control circuit. The housing is removably coupled to the toy body of the riding toy. The motion sensing means and, either the sound generating device or the light generating device, are coupled to the housing. The control circuit is coupled to the housing and is electrically coupled to the motion sensing means and to either the sound generating device or the light generating device. The control circuit is configured to transmit, during operation, a varying actuation signal to either the sound generating device or the light generating device based upon the rate of generally cyclical motion of the toy body. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a toy includes a toy body, a motion sensor, either a sound generating device or a light generating device and a control circuit. The motion sensor is coupled to the control unit. The motion sensor defines a cavity. The motion sensor has at least three contacts and a moveable object disposed in the cavity. The sound generating device or the light generating device is coupled to the toy body. The control circuit is coupled to the toy body and is electrically coupled to the motion sensor and to either the sound generating device or the light generating device. The control circuit is configured to transmit a signal to either the sound generating device or the light generating device. The signal has a characteristic based upon the duration of the moveable object. 
     This invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a riding toy in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the riding toy taken substantially along line  2 — 2  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a control unit of the riding toy of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the control unit taken substantially along line  4 — 4  of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the control unit taken substantially along line  5 — 5  of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a motion sensor of the control unit taken substantially along line  6 — 6  of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the motion sensor of the control unit taken substantially along line  7 — 7  of FIG. 6; 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B are electronic circuit diagram of the control system of the control unit; 
     FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing one preferred embodiment of the logic of the control system of the control unit during operation; and 
     FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing another preferred embodiment of the logic of the control system of the control unit during operation. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a motion induced sound and light generating riding toy constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at  10 . The riding toy  10  generally includes a toy body  12  and a control unit  14 . The toy body  12  is formed in the shape of a vehicle, specifically a motorcycle, but alternatively, can be formed in other conventional shapes, such as an animal, a dinosaur and other vehicles. 
     As best shown in FIG. 2, the toy body  12  includes an arcuate lower portion  16  for contacting a generally flat or generally horizontal surface  17 , and a seat portion  18 . The arcuate lower portion  16  of the toy body  12  outwardly extends from a left side and a right side of the toy body  12  to form a set of foot rests  20  (only one of the two are shown in FIGS.  1  and  2 ). The lower portion  16  is configured for enabling the riding toy  10  to produce a fore and aft rocking motion. Alternatively, the toy body  12  of the riding toy  10  can be configured to produce other types of motion such as a rolling motion, sliding motion, a roll or a wobble. The seat portion  18  is generally centrally positioned on an upper portion of the toy body  12 . The seat portion  18  is configured for supporting a child during operation of the riding toy  10 . The toy body  12  is made of molded plastic, but alternatively, can be made of other materials such as wood, fiberglass, metal and styrafoam. The toy body  12  provides a structure for safe and easy operation by children, including small children. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the toy body  12  includes at least one handle configured for grasping by the child during operation of the riding toy  10 . In another alternative preferred embodiment, the toy body  12  can include one or more additional components such as a set of wheels  19  to enable the toy body  12  to roll, reflectors, lights, wings, mirrors, pushbuttons, ornamental extensions and other conventional items. 
     As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the control unit  14  includes a housing. The control unit  14  is coupled to the upper portion of the toy body  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the control unit  14  is slidably and removably connected to the toy body  12 . The control unit  14  is configured to provide a structure for supporting one or more control and accessory devices. The control unit  14  is also configured to provide a hand grip for the child during operation of the riding toy  10 . The control unit  14  is preferably formed from a front housing section  22  and a rear housing section  24 . In an alternative preferred embodiment, the control unit  14  has a single housing. The control unit  14  is preferably made of molded plastic, but alternatively, can be made of other materials such as wood, fiberglass and metal. The control unit  14  provides a single, generally compact structure for supporting the controls and accessory devices of the riding toy  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the control unit  14  is configured for removably mounting onto more than one toy body  12  enabling the user to transfer the control unit  14  to another toy body having an alternative shape, thereby increasing the overall versatility of the control unit  14  and the riding toy  10 . The control unit  14  can be produced, transported, marketed, replaced and stored separately from the toy body  12 . The compact size of the control unit  14  relative to the size of the toy body  12  enables control unit  14  to be easily removed, stored and replaced enabling a user to, for example, store the toy body  12  outdoors and the control unit  14  indoors. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit  14  includes a set of handles  26 , at least one pushbutton, at least one light, a switch  30 , a front shield  32  and openings  27  for a sound transducer  28  (shown on FIG.  5 ). The handles  26  are elongate extensions extending from the housing of the control unit  14 . In a preferred embodiment, the handles  26  are formed from extensions of the front and rear housing sections  22 ,  24 . The handles  26  are configured to provide a location for grasping of the riding toy  10  by the child. In alternative preferred embodiments, the handles  26  can be made in other forms such as, a steering wheel, an animal&#39;s ears, an animal&#39;s horns, wings or other conventional extension. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the control unit  14  includes six pushbuttons: a siren button  34 , a horn button  36 , an engine simulation button  38 , and first, second and third voice activation buttons  40 ,  42 ,  44 , respectively. The pushbuttons  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  are conventional electronic pushbuttons coupled to the rear housing section  24  of the control unit  14 . As shown in FIG. 5, each pushbutton  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  is electrically coupled to a printed control board  56  (“PCB”) Referring to FIG. 3, a portion of each of the pushbuttons  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  extends through an opening within the rear housing section  24 . Each of the pushbuttons  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 , 44  is a switch, which when depressed by a child, sends a voltage signal to a PCB  56  (“PCB”) (shown on FIG. 5) resulting in a sound or a series of sounds being generated from the sound transducer  28 . The siren button  34 , when depressed, is configured to produce sounds simulating a siren. Similarly, the horn button  36  produces horn sounds, the engine simulation button  38  produces engine revving sounds, and the first, second, and third pushbuttons  40 ,  42 ,  44  produces human voice sounds, for example, “calling officer, report to headquarters”, “we have an emergency, please investigate,” and “mission accomplished, good job,” respectively. The control unit  14  can readily be configured to produce alternative sounds. In a preferred embodiment, when one of the first, second and third pushbuttons  40 ,  42 ,  44  is depressed, a rear light  60  (shown on FIG. 4) is lit. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the control unit  14  includes four lights, as shown in FIG.  3 . Each light includes a cover element: the rear light cover  46 , a left light cover  48 , a right light cover  50  and a top light cover  52 . The lights are configured to illuminate upon receipt of a signal from the PCB  56  (shown on FIG.  4 ). 
     The motion sensing feature of the control unit  14  is initiated by operation of the switch  30  (see FIG.  3 ). The switch  30  is a conventional spring-return switch. The switch  30  is shaped to resemble an ignition switch with a key placed in it. A portion of the switch  30  extends through an opening in the rear housing section  24  of the control unit  14 . The switch  30  is connected to the rear housing section  24 . When actuated by the child, or other user, the switch  30  sends a voltage signal to the PCB  56  (shown on FIG. 4) resulting in a sound or a series of sounds being generated from the sound transducer  28 , in initiation of the motion sensing feature of the control unit  14 , and in illuminating at least one of the lights. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates the control unit  14  in greater detail. The control unit  14  further includes a battery case  54 , a top light  58 , the rear light  60 , the PCB  56 , and the motion sensor  62 . The battery case  54  is formed into and inwardly extends from the front housing section  22  of the control unit  14  and includes a removable battery case cover  64 . The battery case  54  is electrically coupled to the PCB  56  by a first wiring connection  66 . The battery case  54  is configured to hold a set of batteries  68  for powering the control unit  14 . In a most preferred embodiment, the batteries  68  comprise three, 1.5 Volt, “AA” size batteries to produce a 4.5 Volt power supply for the control unit  14 . Alternate power supplies and battery sizes can be utilized. 
     The top and rear lights  58 ,  60  are conventional light bulbs, preferably comprising light emitting diodes. The top and rear lights  58 ,  60  are mounted to the front and rear housing sections  22 ,  24 , and are electrically coupled by second and third wiring connections  70 ,  72 , to the PCB  56 , respectively. The top and rear lights  58 ,  60  generate light in response to signals from the PCB  56 . 
     The PCB  56  is a printed circuit board preferably connected to the rear housing section  24  of the control unit  14 . The PCB  56  is electrically coupled to the pushbuttons  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 , the lights, the sound transducer  28 , the battery case  54 , and the motion sensor  62 . In a preferred embodiment, the conventional PCB  56  has part number PT-1073A, 000308. 
     The motion sensor  62  is a motion sensing device. The motion sensor  62  is connected to the rear housing section  24  and is electrically coupled to the PCB  56  through a fourth wiring connection  76 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the control unit  14  in further detail. The control unit includes the sound transducer  28 , a left light  78  and a right light  80 . The sound transducer  28 , also referred to as a speaker, is a sound generating device. The sound transducer  28  is mounted to the rear housing section  24  of the control unit  14  adjacent to openings  27 , and is electrically coupled by a fifth wiring connection  82  to the PCB  56 . The sound transducer  28  generates sounds in response to signals from the PCB  56 . The sounds generated by the sound transducer  28  can include vehicle related sounds, sirens, horns, human voices and other conventional sounds. In a preferred embodiment, the sound transducer is a  16  ohm speaker. The sound transducer  28  can also be of alternate resistance. 
     The left and right lights  78 ,  80  are light bulbs, preferably comprising light emitting diodes. The left and right lights  78 ,  80  are mounted to the front housing section  22 , and are electrically coupled to the PCB  56 , respectively. The left and right lights  78 ,  80  generate light in response to signals from the PCB  56 . 
     FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the motion sensor  62  in greater detail. The motion sensor  62  includes a housing  84  defining a cavity  85 , four pins forming first and second sets of contacts  86 ,  88 , respectively, and a ball  90 . The first and second sets of contacts  86 ,  88  are made of a conductive material. The first and second sets of contacts  86 ,  88  are spaced apart, and the ball  90  is sized, such that the ball  90  can bridge only one set of contacts at anytime. Each contact of the first and second sets of contacts  96 ,  88  is disposed in an approximate vertical position and extend parallel to one another. The first and second sets of contacts  86 ,  88  are electrically coupled to the PCB  56  at first and second motion sensor inputs, respectively. 
     The ball  90  is a spherical object disposed within the cavity  85  between the first and second sets of contacts  86 ,  88 . The ball  90  is made of a conductive material, preferably metal. The ball  90  is positionable between a first position in which, the ball  90  bridges the first set of contacts  86 , and a second position, in which the ball  90  bridges the first set of contacts  88 . The PCB  56  then produces an output signal to the sound transducer  28  and to the lights in response to the contact of the ball  90  to one of the set of contacts  86 ,  88  and also produces varying signals to the sound transducer  28  and to the lights based upon the rate of contact of the ball  90  with the first and second sets of contacts  86 ,  88 . The motion sensor  62  is configured to transmit a signal to the PCB  56  which causes the PCB  56  to send a varying signal to the sound transducer  28  and to the lights, based upon the rate of change of the ball  90  between the first and second positions of the ball  90 . 
     The variable signal sent from the PCB  56  to the sound transducer  28  and the lights enables the riding toy  10  to directly respond and interact with the motion imparted by the child to the riding toy  10 . The control unit  14  enables a child to control the output of the sound transducer  28  or the lights  58 ,  60 ,  78 ,  80  based upon the child&#39;s rate of rocking of the toy rider. In a preferred embodiment, as the child increases the rate of rocking of the riding toy  10 , the control unit  14  emits a louder and different series of sounds from the sound transducer  28  and causes the lights  58 ,  60 ,  78 ,  80  to flash. 
     In alternative embodiments, the motion sensor  62  can include three or more contacts forming at least two sets of contacts and at least two circuit inputs to the PCB  56 . The ball  90  can be made of alternate shapes such as a cylinder, an irregular shape and a baton. In an alternative embodiment, the motion sensor  62  can be a mercury switch. 
     Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a preferred embodiment of a circuit diagram for the control unit  14  is illustrated. The PCB includes a circuit comprising a microprocessor  100 , or microcontroller, capable of synthesizing several different human sounds and vehicle sounds, and signaling the lights  58 ,  60 ,  78 ,  80  to flash. The microprocessor  100  includes an internal timer  101 . An example of such a chip is the conventional Winbond BandDirector™ microprocessor model number W562S30. Alternate microprocessors or microcontrollers can be used. The microprocessor  100  is actuated by the switch  30  and the pushbuttons  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 . The switch  30  and the pushbuttons  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  are connected to trigger inputs  110 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  112 ,  114 ,  102  of the microprocessor  100 , respectively, such that when the switch  30  or one of the pushbuttons  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  triggers the associated trigger input, the microprocessor  100  generates and outputs a transducer controlling signal which corresponds to the switch or the pushbutton chosen. 
     The microprocessor  100  is powered by a power supply (the batteries  68 ). The collective positive end of the batteries  68  is connected to: a first voltage input  116  of the microprocessor  100  through the resistors  118 ,  120  connected in series; and a second voltage input  122  through the resistor  118 . The positive end of the batteries  68  is also connected to the sound transducer  28  and a capacitor  123 . The sound transducer  28  then connects to the collector of a first transistor  124 . The emitter of the first transistor  124  is connected to ground and the base of the first transistor is connected to a speaker input  126 . The base of the first transistor  124  is also connected to a resistor  128  and a capacitor  130 . The battery  68  also connects to first, second, third, fourth and fifth light emitting diodes  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 . The first and second diodes  132 ,  134  are connected in parallel to the collector of a second transistor  142 . The base of the second transistor  142  connects to a first light input  144  through a resistor  146 . The emitter of the second transistor is connected to ground through a resistor  148 . The third, fourth and fifth diodes  136 ,  138 ,  140  are connected to the collector of the third, fourth and fifth transistors  152 ,  154 ,  156 , respectively. The base of the third, fourth and fifth transistors  152 ,  154 ,  156  are connected to second, third and fourth light inputs  158 ,  160 ,  162  through a resistor  164 , a resistor  166  and a resistor  168 , respectively. The emitter of the third, fourth and fifth transistors  152 ,  154 ,  156  are connected to ground through a resistor  170 , a resistor  172  and a resistor  174 , respectively. The first and second sets of contacts  86 ,  88  of the motion sensor  62  are connected to first and second motion sensor inputs  176 ,  178 , respectively. 
     When the microprocessor  100  outputs a sound signal through the speaker connection  126 , the sound signal is transmitted to the base of the first transistor  124  enabling current to flow through the sound transducer  28 . The sound signal from the speaker connection  126  controls the sound transducer  28  causing it to produce human voice sounds or vehicle related sounds. When the micoprocessor  100  outputs a light signal through one of the diodes  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 , the light signal is transmitted through the base of the second, third, fourth and fifth transistors  142 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  enabling current to flow through the diodes  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 , respectively. The current flow through one of the diodes  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  causes one of the lights  58 ,  60 ,  78 ,  80  to flash. 
     When the ball  90  of the motion sensor  62  bridges the first set of contacts  86  an input signal is sent to the first motion sensor input  176 , and when the ball  90  of the motion sensor  62  bridges the second set of contacts  88 , an input signal is sent to the second motion sensor input  178 . The microprocessor  100  sends sound and light signals to the sound transducer  28  and the diodes  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 . These signals vary based upon the rate of contact by the ball  90  alternatingly bridging the first and second sets of contacts  86 ,  88 . 
     Referring to FIG. 9, one preferred embodiment of the control system logic of the microprocessor  100  is illustrated. Other logic sequences are conventionally available and would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The switch  30  is activated by the user, indicated at  200 . The microprocessor  100  sends a signal to the left, right and upper lights  78 ,  80 ,  58  causing the lights  78 ,  80 ,  58  to flash and the internal timer  101  of microprocessor  100  to energize, indicated at  202 . The microprocessor  100  sends a signal to the sound transducer  28  causing an engine revving sound to be produced, indicated at  204 . The microprocessor  100  senses whether the riding toy  10  is rocking, indicated at  205 . If no rocking motion is present, engine revving sounds continue to be produced for approximately 10 seconds, indicated at  206  and the sound transducer  28  stops, indicated at  208 . This is accomplished through use of the internal timer  101  of microprocessor  100 . When the internal timer of the microprocessor  100  reaches a first timer event, the signal to the sound transducer  28  ceases. In a preferred embodiment, the first timer event is approximately 10 seconds. If some rocking motion is present, the microprocessor  100  determines if the motion is sufficient to produce the next series of output signals, indicated at  210 . If rocking motion is present, but the rocking motion is below a predetermined amount of rocking (or rate of motion or rate between bridging by the ball  90  of the first set of contacts  86  and then the second sets of contacts  88 ), the revving sounds, indicated at  204 , are continued. If the rocking motion is greater than the predetermined amount of rocking, a revving sound of increasing volume is produced for approximately 20 seconds, indicated at  212 . Once the predetermined amount of rocking is reached, the microprocessor  100  produces a signal causing revving sounds at an increased volume to be produced until a second timer event is reached. In a preferred embodiment, the second timer event is approximately 20 seconds. The microprocessor  100  then determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at  214 . If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  returns to the step indicated at  205 . If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce siren sounds, indicated at  216  and the left, right and top lights  78 ,  80 ,  58  to flash, indicated at  218 . When the rocking motion continues beyond the duration of second timer event, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce siren sounds until a third timer event is reached. In a preferred embodiment, the third time event is approximately 10 seconds. The microprocessor  100  determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at  220 . If the amount of rocking is less greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  returns to the step indicated at  205 . If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce an engine revving sound until a fourth time event is reached, indicated at  222 . In a preferred embodiment, the fourth timer event is approximately 10 seconds. 
     The microprocessor  100  determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at  224 . If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  returns to the step indicated as  205 . If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce siren sounds, indicated at  226  and the left, right and top lights  78 ,  80 ,  58  to flash for approximately 10 seconds, indicated at  228 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at  230 . If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  returns to the step indicated at  205 . If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce an engine revving sound for approximately 20 seconds, indicated at  232 . The microprocessor  100  determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at  234 . If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, indicated at  234 . If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  returns to the step indicated at  205 . If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce siren sounds for approximately 10 seconds, indicated at  236  and the left, right and top lights  78 ,  80 ,  58  to flash, indicated at  238 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, indicated at  240 . If the amount of rocking is less than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  returns to the step indicated at  205 . If the amount of rocking is greater than the predetermined level, the microprocessor  100  returns to the step indicated at  204 . 
     Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the control system logic of the microprocessor  100  is illustrated. The switch  30  is activated by the user, indicated at  300 . The microprocessor  100  sends a signal to the left, right and upper lights  78 ,  80 ,  58  causing the lights  78 ,  80 ,  58  to flash and the internal timer  101  of microprocessor  100  is to energize, indicated at  302 . The microprocessor  100  sends a signal to the sound transducer  28  causing an engine revving sound to be produced, indicated at  304 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if motion is present, indicated at  305 . If no rocking motion is present, engine revving sounds continue to be produced for approximately 10 seconds, indicated at  306 , and the sound transducer  28  stops, indicated at  308 . If rocking motion is present, the microprocessor  100  then determines if the elapsed time equals timer event  1 , preferably 10 seconds from the actuation of the switch  30 , indicated at  310 . If no motion is present, the microprocessor returns to step  305 , indicated at  311 . If the rocking motion is present, a revving sound of increasing volume is produced, indicated at  312 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if elapsed time is equal to timer event  2 , preferably approximately 20 seconds after timer event  1 , indicated at  314 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if motion is present, indicated at  315 . If motion is not present, the microprocessor  100  returns to step  305 . If motion is present, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce siren sounds, indicated at  316  and the left, right and top lights  78 ,  80 ,  58  to flash, indicated at  318 . The microprocessor  100  determines if the elapsed time is equal to timer event  3 , indicated at  320 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if motion is present, indicated at  321 . If motion is not present, the microprocessor  100  returns to step  305 . If motion is present, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce an engine revving sound, indicated at  322 . 
     The microprocessor  100  then determines if the elapsed time is equal to the timer event  4 , indicated at  324 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if motion is present, indicated at  325 . If motion is not present, the microprocessor  100  returns to the step indicated as  305 . If motion is present, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce siren sounds, indicated at  326  and the left, right and top lights  78 ,  80 ,  58  to flash, indicated at  328 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if the elapsed time equals time event  5 , indicated at  330 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if motion is present, indicated at  331 . If motion is not present, the microprocessor  100  returns to step  305 . If motion is present, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce an engine revving sound, indicated at  332 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if the elapsed time equals timer event  6 , indicated at  334 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if motion is present, indicated at  335 . If motion is not present, the microprocessor  100  returns to step  305 . If motion is present, the microprocessor  100  causes the sound transducer  28  to produce siren sounds, indicated at  336 , and the left, right and top lights  78 ,  80 ,  58  to flash, indicated at  338 . The microprocessor  100  then determines if the elapsed time is equal to timer event  7 , indicated at  340 . If motion is not present, the microprocessor  100  returns to step  305 . If motion is present, the microprocessor  100  returns to the step indicated as  304 . 
     The logic of microprocessor  100  enables the riding toy  10  to produce varying sounds and intermittent lights over an extended period of time, until the child stops operating the riding toy  10 . In an alternative embodiment, the microprocessor  100 , can generate sound and light signals based upon the rate of motion of the riding toy  10  wherein more than one predetermined level of motion is required. In yet another embodiment, the microprocessor  100 , sends sound and light signals which are proportional to the amount of rocking motion of the riding toy  10 . 
     While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, numerous departures therefrom can be contemplated by persons skilled in the art, for example, the riding toy  10  can include modular control units positioned in more than one location on the toy body  12  of the riding toy  10 . Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description but only to the scope and spirit of the appended claims.