TOY VEHICLE, LAUNCHING APPARATUS THEREFOR AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

摘要

A toy vehicle is disclosed that is configured to be driven by a pull cord that is inserted through the axle of a drive wheel of the toy vehicle, such that the drive wheel of the toy vehicle is energized through movement of the driving pull cord in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of intended travel of the toy vehicle. This configuration allows a user to launch multiple toy vehicles arranged in a side-by-side arrangement using a single pull cord, and moreover by pulling such single pull cord through a single pull stroke. This configuration also allows the simultaneous launching of multiple toy vehicles aligned in a single row when multiple pull cords are provided an engage a single actuator to withdraw all such pull cords in a single pulling stroke. Launchers for use with such a toy vehicle, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A toy vehicle launching system comprising:
a toy vehicle, said toy vehicle further comprising
a toy vehicle housing; anda drive wheel rotatably mounted to said housing, said drive wheel having a channel extending through an axle of said drive wheel, and an input gear structure on an interior of said channel; and a pull cord comprising an elongate gear configured to drivingly engage said input gear structure; wherein said input gear structure is configured to rotate said drive wheel about said axle when said pull cord is pulled through said drive wheel in a direction parallel to said axle.