Background of the Invention Toy vehicles configured to replicate motorcycles are well known in the. art and have enjoyed substantial popularity for many years. In response to this long term and extensive popularity, practitioners in the art have created a virtually endless variety of toy motorcycles. Such toy motorcycles have ranged from simple, unpowered, freewheeling to complex, self- powered and often remote-controlled toys.

Freewheeling toy motorcycles are relatively simple in fabrication and typical utilize a molded plastic body often having the motorcycle and rider integrally formed. The body is supported. by a pair of small axles which in turn support freely rotating front and rear wheels. In most toy motorcycles, some type of stand or balancing mechanism is provided to enhance play value.

Self-powered toy motorcycles have a similar fabrication with the addition of an internal propulsion mechanism. In more complex, self-powered toy motorcycles, some type of steering mechanism allowing turning of the front wheel and handlebars is often further included. For the most part, self- powered toy motorcycles rely upon the rotation of the front and rear wheels to provide a gyroscopic stabilization to maintain the traveling motorcycle in an upright condition. The power units employed in self-powered toy motorcycles have included spring- driven wind-up mechanisms as well as battery-powered electric motor propulsion units. Additionally, other self-powered toy motorcycles have included apparatus known generally as inertial motors. Such mechanisms derive their name from the use of a rotatable flywheel within the toy motorcycle which, when rotated at high speeds, stores energy used to then power the toy motorcycle once its released upon a suitable surface.

Often, the flywheel is coupled directly to the rear wheel of the toy motorcycle.

Early flywheel-powered toy motorcycles were relatively simple in fabrication and included a direct coupling between the rear wheel of the motorcycle and the rotating flywheel. Energy was stored in the flywheel by having the user simply grip the toy motorcycle and roll it forwardly across a convenient surface to cause the flywheel to rotate. This process when rapidly repeated in a series of forward strokes separated by lifting and returning the motorcycle to the starting point provided substantial energy in the flywheel which then powered the toy vehicle upon release. In a subsequent development, practitioners

in the art provided cooperating launchers for such toy motorcycles. Such launchers varied somewhat but generally all provided a platform for supporting the toy motorcycle together with a mechanism operated by the user to rapidly spin the flywheel and thereafter release the motorcycle for travel. For example, U. S.

Patent 3,886,682 issued to Ieda, et al. sets forth a TOY VEHICLE AND LAUNCHER having a toy motorcycle supporting a flywheel motor therein. A rotary drive member is mounted in the body of the launcher and is operatively connected to the flywheel to rotate the flywheel when the drive member is rotated. The launcher consists of a base including means for supporting the motorcycle body and its drive wheel in an elevated position to enable the rotation of the rear wheel during flywheel spinning.

U. S. Patent 4,526,554 issued to Goldfarb, et al. sets forth a TOY MOTORCYCLE AND LAUNCHER APPARATUS having a launcher platform which receives and restrains a toy vehicle motorcycle together with an energy-storing drive-train mechanism. The motorcycle is powered by the flywheel therein and the launcher restrains the motorcycle in the desired upright orientation with the drive wheel elevated and freely rotating. Energy is stored as the flywheel is rotated and the cycle is released in a manner allowing the drive wheel to engage the launcher platform and propel the motorcycle forwardly.

U. S. Patent 3,798,832 issued to Terzian sets forth a TOY VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONING MEANS THEREFOR having a wind-up spring-powered motorcycle receivable upon a launcher. The launcher includes

means for restraining the motorcycle and a crank mechanism which engages the wind-up power mechanism of the motorcycle. Rotation of the crank stores energy in the toy motorcycle's spring motor afterwhich the motorcycle is released to travel using the energy stored in its wind-up spring.

U. S. Patent 4,464,860 issued to Onodera sets forth a LAUNCHING APPARATUS FOR RESILIENT DRIVE MOBILE TOY having a receptacle for accommodating the mobile toy which includes an opening for passing the mobile toy and a floor plate having a slot formed- therethrough for partly projecting the driven wheel outwards. Within the receptacle, a holding device releasibly holds the mobile toy while the driven wheel engages the slot for stopping rotation thereon.

Another device is operative for pushing the mobile toy forward and releasing the toy motorcycle.

In a related art, a number of toy vehicle launchers configured for use in launching one or more four-wheeled toy vehicle have also been provided. For example, U. S. Patent 3,600,850 issued to Summerfield, et al. sets forth an ENDLESS BELT TOY ACCELERATOR having a housing supporting a pair of endless belts coupled to a roadway section. A mechanism is provided which raises the upper portion of the endless belt through a channel into contact with the undersides of selected unpowered toy vehicles traveling on the roadway. The endless belt is moved rapidly by a crank handle to accelerate the toy vehicle.

U. S. Patent 3,750,328 issued to Nielsen, et al. sets forth a WINDING MECHANISM HAVING PLATFORM FOR

SUPPORTING SPRING MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE in which a spring-powered toy vehicle is restrained upon a launcher surface while a hand-cranked engagement member winds the toy vehicle motor.

Additional examples of launching devices for four-wheeled toy vehicles are found in U. S. Patent 3,803,756 issued to Strongin; U. S. Patent 5,052,972 issued to Suimon, et al; U. S. Patent 5,460,560 issued to Liu; and U. S. Patent 5,823,848 issued to Cummings.

While the foregoing described prior art devices have to some extent improved the art and have in some instances enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for evermore improved, interesting and entertaining toy vehicle motorcycles and apparatus for use in combination therewith.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved toy motorcycle launcher apparatus. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved toy vehicle launcher apparatus which adds 'excitement and competition to the play pattern thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dual launcher for simultaneous launch of a pair of toy motorcycles comprising: a pair of flywheel-powered toy motorcycles each having a rear wheel and rear wheel gear; a launcher housing having a

pair of downwardly angled ramps and latch means for releasibly restraining the pair of toy motorcycles; a drive mechanism supported within the launcher housing having a drive crank and a pair of drive gears engaging the rear wheel gears of the pair of toy motorcycles, the pair of drive gears being equally driven by the drive crank to impart substantially equal energy to the pair of flywheel-powered toy motorcycles ; and a latch release operative in response to a single user input constructed to release the latch means and substantially simultaneously release the pair of toy motorcycles, the pair of toy motorcycles being commonly and simultaneously energized by the drive mechanism and commonly and simultaneously released by the latch release to provide a racing-type play activity.

Brief Description of the Drawings The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which: Figure 1 sets forth a perspective view of a dual launcher and a pair of toy motorcycles constructed in accordance with the present invention showing the toy motorcycles being loaded onto the launcher;

Figure 2 sets forth a perspective view of the dual launcher of Figure 1 following the simultaneous launch of a pair of toy motorcycles; Figure 3 sets forth a section view of the present invention dual launcher for toy motorcycles; Figure 4 sets forth a top view of the power engaging apparatus of the present invention dual launcher for toy motorcycles; and Figure 5 sets forth a partially sectioned side view of a typical flywheel-powered toy motorcycle of the type used in the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figure 1 sets forth a perspective view of a dual launcher for toy motorcycles constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Launcher 10 includes a housing 11 defining a pair of downwardly angled motorcycle ramps 12 and 13. Housing 11 further supports a crank 14 having a handle 15 secured thereto. Housing 11 further supports a plurality of latched housings 22, 23 and 24 positioned on each side of and between ramps 12 and 13. As is better seen in Figure 2, latch housings 22 and 24 each support a respective latched tab 32 and 35 on the outsides of ramps 12 and 13 respectively. Further, as is also better seen in Figure 2, latch housing 23 supports a pair of latched tabs 33 and 34 which are positioned on the interior sides of ramps 12 and 13.

Returning to Figure 1, a pair of motorcycles 40 and 50 each fabricated in the manner set forth below in Figure 5 are received upon ramps 12 and 13 respectively. Motorcycle 40 is shown secured within the launch station of ramp 12 while motorcycle 50 is shown being moved upwardly upon ramp 12 in the direction indicated by arrow 36 in order to secure motorcycle 50 within the launching position of ramp 13. The mechanism by which motorcycles 40 and 50 are secured upon ramps 12 and 13 is set forth below in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here that motorcycles 40 and 50 each define'outwardly extending hubs such as hub 51 at their rear wheels which engage latch tabs 32 through 35 (seen in Figure 2). Of importance to note here is that motorcycles 40 and 50 are releasibly secured at the upper ends of ramps 12 and 13. By means set forth below in greater detail, a latch release 21 is supported within a slot 20 formed in housing 11. Latch release 21 operates in the manner set forth below in Figure 3 to release the restraining force operative upon motorcycles 40 and 50 at the desired time.

In operation, the user holds housing 11 by a convenient grip and with motorcycles 40 and 50 secured in the launch position shown in Figure 1 for motorcycle 40, the user manipulates handle 15 and crank 14 in a back and forth motion indicated by arrows 16 and 17. By means of an internal drive unit shown in Figures 3 and 4 and referenced by numeral 80, supported within housing 11, the manipulation of crank 14 and handle 15 energizes the flywheel drive mechanism within motorcycles 40 and 50 (seen in Figure 5). The structure of this energizing mechanism is set

forth below in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here that the rear wheels of motorcycles 40 and 50 are rapidly rotated by the internal drive mechanism of dual launcher 10 until sufficient energy is stored within the flywheel drive mechanisms of the motorcycles. Thereafter, latch release 21 is moved within slot 20 releasing the restraining force upon motorcycles 40 and 50 and allowing them to rapidly accelerate down ramps 12 and 13.

Figure 2 sets forth a perspective view of dual motorcycle launcher 10 following the above-mentioned launch of motorcycles 40 and 50. As described above, dual launcher 10 includes a housing 11 supporting downwardly angled ramps 12 and 13. As. is also described above, housing 11 supports a crank 14 having a handle 15. A slot 20 formed in housing 11 supports a latch release 21. A plurality of latch housings 22, 23 and 24 are positioned on each side and at the center in between ramps 12 and 13. Latch housings 22 and 24 are supported on the outsides of ramps 12 and 13 respectively and each support a single latch tab 32 and 35 respectively. Latch housing 23 is positioned between ramps 12 and 13 and supports a pair of latch tabs 33 and 34.

A pair of flywheel-powered toy motorcycles 40 and 50 are securable at the tops of ramps 12 and 13 in the manner shown above in Figure 1 for motorcycle 40. As is described below in greater detail,. motorcycles 40 and 50 each define pairs of outwardly extending rear wheel hubs on each side of their respective rear wheels. For example, motorcycle 40 is shown supporting an outwardly extending hub 41 while

motorcycle 50 is shown supporting an outwardly extending hub 51. Due to the perspective view of Figure 2, the opposed outwardly extending hubs at the rear wheels of motorcycles 40 and 50 are not seen.

However, the above-mentioned restraining mechanism operative upon motorcycles 40 and 50 when positioned in the launch position shown for motorcycle 40 in Figure 1 is provided by the cooperation of the rear wheel hubs of each motorcycle and the pairs of latch tabs positioned on each side of ramps 12 and 13.

Thus, motorcycle 40 will be understood to be restrained by latch tabs 32 and 33 while motorcycle 50 will be understood to be restrained by latch tabs 34 and 35. The nature of this restraint is set forth in Figure 3. However, suffice it to note here that the restraint is sufficient to prevent motorcycles 40 and 50 from moving from the launch position until latch release 21 is moved in the manner shown in Figure 2.

Thus, in the position of motorcycles 40 and 50 shown in Figure 2, the user having previously situated each motorcycle in the launch position in the manner described above in Figure 1 and having manipulated crank 14 and handle 15 to energize the flywheel drives of motorcycles 40 and 50, presses latch release 21 in the direction of arrow 37 releasing the restraint operative upon motorcycles 40 and 50 allowing each motorcycle to rapidly accelerate down ramps 12 and 13 in the directions indicated by arrows 38 and 39.

In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the simultaneous energizing of both motorcycles 40 and 50 together with the simultaneous launch of both motorcycles using a single latch

release button 21 provides a play pattern replicating a race between motorcycles 40 and 50. This race-type feature adds greatly to the play and entertainment value of the present invention toy motorcycle launcher. Because both motorcycles are released by a single release control, a single player is able to operate the launch of motorcycles 40 and 50 in a racing-type play pattern. This avoids the competitive aspect and assures that each motorcycle is simultaneously released. In addition, the use of a common energizing mechanism operative in response to the manipulation of crank 14 and handle 15 and described below in greater detail further adds to the quality of the race experience for the single user.

Since both motorcycles are energized by a common source, the race becomes a much more interesting and unpredictable event.

Figure 3 sets forth partially sectioned side elevation view of the present invention dual motorcycle launcher. Dual launcher 10 includes a housing 11 defining a pair of downwardly angled ramps 12 and 13 (ramp 13 seen in Figure 1). Housing 11 further supports a latch housing 22 having an aperture 25 formed therein. A slot 20 is also formed in housing 11 and receives an upwardly extending latch release 21. A downwardly extending post 68 receives a conventional fastener 70. Fastener 70 passes through an aperture 69 formed in a lever 60. Lever 60 is captivated by fastener 70 and includes an upwardly extending latch tab 32. Latch tab 32 is received within aperture 25 of latch housing 22. Lever 60 further includes a stop 62 which in the position shown

in Figure 3 is positioned against the underside of ramp 12.

Latch release 21 further supports an arm 66 having an outwardly extending pin 67. Pin 67 is secured to lever 60 at a pivot aperture 63. Lever 60 further includes a rearwardly extending end 61 which captivates a spring 64. Spring 64 provides a spring force against end 61 of lever 60 urging lever 60 upwardly to raise latch tab 32 into aperture 25. Stop 62 abuts the underside of ramp 12 and prevents further pivotal movement of lever 60.

Latch release 21 is secured to arm 66 in a ninety degree relationship.

A toy motorcycle 40 having a front wheel 43 and a rear wheel 42 is positioned upon ramp 12. Motorcycle 40 further includes a hub 45 received within aperture 25 and restrained therein by the extension of latch tab 32 upwardly to partially block aperture 25. Rear wheel 42 further supports a gear 55. The structure of motorcycle 40 is set forth below in Figure 5.

However, suffice it'to note here that an internal flywheel-powered drive mechanism is operatively coupled to gear 55 of rear wheel 42.

Housing 11 further supports a drive unit 80 having a drive unit housing 81. Housing 81 is secured to the underside of housing 11 by conventional fasteners such as fastener 47. Drive unit 80 includes a shaft 82 upon which a return spring 85 is wound.

Spring 85 includes an end 86 and an end 99. A tab 87 supported within the interior of drive unit housing 81

restrains end 99 of spring 85. A sector gear 83 includes a spring retainer 84 receiving end 86 of spring 85. The force provided by spring 85 urges sector gear 83 in the direction of rotation indicated by arrow 79. A post 88 supported within drive unit housing 81 limits the rotation of sector gear 83 in response to return spring 85 to the position shown in Figure 3.

Drive unit housing 81 further defines an angled slot 90 which receives a shaft 93. Shaft 93 is movable within slot 90 in the direction indicated by arrow 97. A gear 91 is rotatably supported upon shaft 93 and is integrally formed with a gear 92. Gear 92 engages sector gear 83.

Drive unit 80 further includes a shaft 106 supporting a gear 95 which, as is better seen in Figure 4, is aligned with gear 91. Shaft 106 further supports a pair of drive gears 94 and 98. As is also better seen in Figure 4, drive gears 94 and 98 are duplicate gears and are spaced apart to energize motorcycles 40 and 50 simultaneously. Thus, it will be understood that drive gear 98, shaft 106, gear 95 and drive gear 94 are rotatable as a single integral combination.

In operation, a motorcycle such as motorcycle 40 is positioned upon ramp 12 such that hub 45 is received within aperture 25 of latch housing 22. Hub 45 is restrained within latch housing 22 by latch tab 32. Similarly and as is better seen in Figure 2, motorcycle 40 includes a hub 41 which is received within latch housing 23 in the same manner as hub 45

is received within latch housing 22 (seen in Figure 3) and is restrained in cooperation with latch tab 33.

With further temporary reference to Figure 2, it will be noted that a second motorcycle 50 supported upon ramp 13 is similarly secured and restrained by latch tabs 34 and 35 within latch housings 23 and 24 respectively.

Returning to Figure 3, the position of motorcycle 40 upon ramp 12 aligns gear 55 of rear wheel 42 with driven gear 94 of drive unit 80. Thereafter, as the user rotates crank 14 and handle 15 in the rearward direction indicated by arrow 17 (all seen in Figure 1), a corresponding rotation of sector gear 83 in the direction indicated by arrow 96 takes place. This rotation overcomes the force of spring 85. As sector gear 83 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 96, the combination of gear 91 and gear 92 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 109. In addition, the movement of sector gear 83 also imparts an upward force against gear 92 moving shaft 93 upwardly within slot 90 in the direction indicated by arrow 97. As the upward movement and rotation of gears 91 and 92 continue, gear 91 engages gear 95 rotating gear 95 and shaft 106. As is better seen in Figure 4, the rotation of gear 95 and shaft 106 simultaneously rotates gears 94 and 98. In the example shown in Figure 3, the engagement of drive gear 94 with wheel gear 55 of motorcycle 40 rotates rear wheel 42 and gear 55 thereof in the direction indicated by arrow 111. While not seen in Figure 3, it will be understood that a simultaneous rotational coupling occurs between drive gear 98 and motorcycle 50 (seen

in Figure 2) due to the identical positioning and structure of motorcycle 50.

The rotation of sector gear 83 in the direction of arrow 96 continues until spring retainer'84 contacts stop limit 108 formed in the sidewall of drive unit housing 81. This contact limits further rotation of sector gear 83 in the direction indicated by arrow 96. Thus, in response to the first rotation of sector gear 83 as the user manipulates crank 14 and handle 15 (seen in Figure 1), a'certain amount of energy has been rotatably imparted to the flywheel drive mechanism of motorcycles 40 and 50.

At the end of the first stroke of crank 14 and sector gear 83, the user then releases the force against handle 15 and crank 14 (seen in Figure 1) allowing the force of spring 85 to rotate sector gear 83 in the direction of arrow 79 until spring retainer 84 again contacts post 88. During the rotation of sector gear 83 in the direction indicated by arrow 79, a downward force is applied to gear 92 moving shaft 93 downwardly within slot 90 and disengaging gear 91 from gear 95. This disengagement is essential in that it allows the flywheel drive mechanism within motorcycles 40 and 50 to continue running during the return stroke of crank 14 and handle 15 (seen in Figure 1).

Thereafter, the user then again moves handle 15 and crank 14 in the direction indicated by arrow 17 in Figure 1 to once again rotate sector gear 83 in the direction of arrow 96. This rotation then raises shaft 93 within slot 90 and again brings gear 91 into engagement with gear 95. Once again, the continued rotation of gear 91 rotates gear 95 and drive gears 94

and 98 imparting further energy to the flywheel drive mechanisms within motorcycles 40 and 50. This process continues with repeated rearward and forward strokes of crank 14 and handle 15 in the manner seen in Figure 1 until the desired rotational energy has been imparted to the flywheel drive mechanisms of motorcycles 40 and 50. At the desired point in the energizing process, the user then moves latch release 21 in the direction indicated by arrow 71 within slot 20. This movement in turn forces arm 66 downwardly upon lever 60 moving latch tab 32 in the direction indicated by arrow 72. It will be understood that the movement of latch release 21 provides a corresponding simultaneous downward movement of latch tabs 32,33, 34 and 35 (seen in Figure 2). This in turn releases motorcycles 40 and 50 allowing them to move down ramps 12 and 13 (seen in Figure 2) in the above-described racing action.

Figure 4 sets forth a top view of drive unit 80 together with partial views of levers 60 and 77 operative in the above-described releasable latch mechanisms used to secure motorcycles 40 and 50 (seen in Figure 2). Drive unit 80 includes a drive unit housing 81 within which a pair of coaxial shafts 82 and 89 are rotatably supported. Shaft 82 receives a return spring 85 having ends 86 and 99 (end 99 seen in Figure 3). Shaft 82 further supports a coupler 100 having a square head drive 101 extending therefrom.

Square head drive 101 receives crank 14 (seen in Figure 2).

A sector gear 83 includes a spring retainer 84 which receives end 86 of spring 85. Sector gear 83 is

integrally formed with shaft 82, coupler 100 and square head drive 101.

Drive unit 80 further includes a shaft 105 rotatably supported within housing 81 and having a gear 91 and a gear 92 rotatable thereon. Gear 92 is integrally formed with gear 91 and engages sector gear 83.

Drive unit 80 further includes a shaft 106 rotatably supported within housing 81 and having a gear 95 supported thereon. Gear 95 is aligned with gear 91 and is periodically engaged by gear 91 as gear 91 undergoes the above-described movement within slot 90. Shaft 106 further supports a pair of drive gears 94 and 98 which are spaced apart upon shaft 106 to engage the rear wheel gears of motorcycles 40 and 50 (not shown). As mentioned above, the combined structure of shaft 106, gear 95, gear 94 and gear 98 are formed as a single unit and are rotated as a single integral component. Thus, as gear 91 engages and rotates gear 95 in the manner described above, a simultaneous concurrent rotation is imparted to shaft 106 and drive gears 94 and 98.

Figure 4 also shows a portion of levers 60 and 77. Lever 60 is set forth below in Figure 3 and is shown coupled and operative by latch release 21 (seen in Figure 3). While not seen in Figure 3, it will be understood that lever 77 is identical to lever 60 set forth therein. Thust levers 60 and 77 are movable simultaneously in response to movement of latch release 21 (seen'in Figure 3). Because lever 60 supports upwardly extending latch tabs 32 and 33 which

restrain motorcycle 40 (seen in Figure 2) and because lever 77 supports upwardly extending latch tabs 34 and 35 which restrain motorcycle 50 (seen in Figure 2), the simultaneous operations of levers 60 and 77 in the above-described latch release provides simultaneous release of both motorcycles 40and 50 (seen in Figure 2).

Figure 5 sets forth a partially sectioned side elevation view of motorcycle 40 showing the flywheel drive mechanism operative therein. It will be understood that motorcycle 50 is substantially identical to motorcycle 40. Accordingly, the structure shown in Figure 5 and the descriptions thereof which follow should be understood to apply equally well and be equally descriptive of motorcycle 50.

More specifically, motorcycle 40 includes a front wheel 43 and a rear wheel 42. Rear wheel 42 includes a gear 55 secured thereto, both of which are rotatable upon an axle 46. A shaft 57 within motorcycle 40 supports a gear 56 which engages gear 55. A shaft 59 also supported within motorcycle 40 supports a flywheel 75 having a drive gear 58 joined thereto, both of which rotate about shaft 59. Gear 58 engages gear 56.

In operation, the above-described operation of launcher 10 rotates gear 55 in the direction indicated by arrow 122. This rotation of gear 55 rotates gear 56 in the direction indicated by arrow 121 which in turn rotates gear 58 and flywheel 75 in the direction indicated by arrow 120. In accordance with the heavy

structure of flywheel 75, the rotation thereof stores substantial energy in the flywheel. This energy is then transformed into a driving force when motorcycle 40 is released. The inertia of rotating flywheel 75 produces a corresponding rotation of rear wheel 42.

This in turn drives motorcycle 40.

As described above, Figure 5 will be understood to apply equally well to motorcycle 50 which includes a substantially identical flywheel drive mechanism.

I What has been shown is a dual toy motorcycle launcher which simultaneously energizes and releases a pair of substantially identical flywheel-powered toy motorcycles to provide a race-like play pattern. The operation of the dual launcher is carried forward by a single participant eliminating the need for a second player to provide an exciting racing-type play pattern.

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.