US4345402A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Toy vehicle and launcher
Assignee: Glass Marvin and Associates
•
Filing: 1980-12-04
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Granted: 1982-08-24
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Expires: 2000-12-04
Abstract
Abstract A toy vehicle and a launcher includes an integral latch mechanism for holding the vehicle in a biased position and an actuating member for selectively releasing the latch. The vehicle includes an elongated tube of substantially dense, rigid material defining a frame to which wheels may be secured. The tube is encased within a soft, resilient, open cell foam material such as polyurethane foam which has been molded in the form of a vehicle body. A resilient, biasing member is mounted within the tube and is held in a compressed state by the latch. The launching member includes connection means to permit the connection of a series of launching members.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven P. Hanson
- 👤 Robert E. Smathers
- 👤 Howard J. Morrison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:30
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H29/00; A63H17/00; A63H17/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A toy vehicle and launcher, in combination, comprising means for launching said vehicle, said launching means including a latch and a member for actuating said latch; a biasing means for propelling said vehicle; a relatively rigid vehicle frame including means for receiving said latch in a pre-launching mode and a plurality of wheels mounted on said frame, said latch receiving means comprising a hollow portion with a hook member in said hollow portion, a resilient member; and a vehicle body formed of a low density, soft, porous material secured to and enclosing said frame for defining the body of said vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A toy vehicle and launcher, in combination, comprising means for launching said vehicle, said launching means including a latch and a member for actuating said latch; a biasing means for propelling said vehicle; a relatively rigid vehicle frame including means for receiving said latch in a pre-launching mode and a plurality of wheels mounted on said frame, said latch receiving means comprising a hollow portion with a hook member in said hollow portion, a resilient member; and a vehicle body formed of a low density, soft, porous material secured to and enclosing said frame for defining the body of said vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The toy vehicle and launcher claimed in claim 1, wherein said launching means comprises a housing, including securing means for coupling a plurality of said housings in tandem.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The toy vehicle and launcher claimed in claim 1 wherein said actuating member is pivotally mounted on said launching means and movable upon engagement to engage and actuate said latch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
188 words
A toy vehicle and launcher, in combination, comprising: a vehicle frame, said frame comprising an elongated relatively rigid member defining a receiving portion with a flange defined on a first end thereof, first and second axles transversely mounted on said member, first and second sets of wheels mounted on said first and second axles, respectively; a vehicle body formed of low density, soft, porous material secured to and enclosing said member, said porous material formed in the shape of a vehicle; a launcher including a housing defining an interior chamber, a first opening in said housing communicating with said chamber, a second opening in said housing communicating with said chamber, an elongated beam member mounted in said first opening and extending outwardly from said housing, a latch pivotally mounted in said housing, said latch including a hook, said hook positioned in said beam member, means for biasing said latch to a first position wherein said hook extends out of said beam member, and an abutment member pivotally mounted on said housing, said abutment member including a portion thereof extending into said second aperture and operatively engaging said latch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
188 words
A toy vehicle and launcher, in combination, comprising: a vehicle frame, said frame comprising an elongated relatively rigid member defining a receiving portion with a flange defined on a first end thereof, first and second axles transversely mounted on said member, first and second sets of wheels mounted on said first and second axles, respectively; a vehicle body formed of low density, soft, porous material secured to and enclosing said member, said porous material formed in the shape of a vehicle; a launcher including a housing defining an interior chamber, a first opening in said housing communicating with said chamber, a second opening in said housing communicating with said chamber, an elongated beam member mounted in said first opening and extending outwardly from said housing, a latch pivotally mounted in said housing, said latch including a hook, said hook positioned in said beam member, means for biasing said latch to a first position wherein said hook extends out of said beam member, and an abutment member pivotally mounted on said housing, said abutment member including a portion thereof extending into said second aperture and operatively engaging said latch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The toy set forth in claim 4 further comprising a resilient element for propelling said vehicle positioned in said tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The toy set forth in claim 5 wherein said resilient element is secured to said frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The toy set forth in claim 4 further comprising means for coupling a plurality of said housings in series.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-08-23 | 1986-02-22 | 1986-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-08-23 | 1990-02-22 | 1990-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-08-23 | 1994-02-22 | 1994-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |