HK1087960B - Lever and wheel activated toy vehicles - Google Patents

Description

Toy vehicle with lever and wheel actuation

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/471,184 entitled "lever and wheel actuated toy vehicle" filed on 16/5/2003.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an actuator for a toy vehicle and toy vehicle components, and more particularly to a lever and wheel actuated toy vehicle and toy vehicle components.

Background

Toy vehicles, such as toy cars and trucks, come in a wide variety of configurations, including toy vehicles operated by small electric motors or purely mechanical toy vehicles with spinning ("free-wheeling") wheels. Some of these toy vehicles include motorized parts or body components that give the user a fresh feel to the toy. For example, U.S. patent No. 4,655,727 ("swiser et al") discloses a purely mechanical toy vehicle having a base or chassis with six spinning wheels, and a top or body portion pivotally coupled to the base of the toy vehicle by a pair of stand insulators. The Swisher et al toy vehicle provides an outer handle that is essentially an extension of a lower portion of the link, which allows the user to rotate the entire top portion of the toy vehicle to a position above the base portion to give the toy vehicle a different overall appearance.

Another toy vehicle that is purely mechanical and has motorized parts is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,619B1 ("Agostini et al"). Agostini et al disclose a free-wheeling toy fire truck having a propelling launch tube rotatably mounted to the roof of the vehicle. The propulsion launch tube is accompanied by a launch handle and a sound control handle. The firing handle is used to compress and release a firing water column. The sound control handle is used to raise and lower the tube and provide a number of buttons to generate sound.

Another more complex purely mechanical toy vehicle is disclosed in U.S. patent No. 3,392,384 ("Ryan et al"). Ryan et al disclose a rocket launching truck in which the launcher is located at the base of the truck and can be raised and lowered. A control lever is used to actuate a spring and flywheel system to launch a toy rocket and propel the toy truck.

Another type of toy vehicle includes a small motor and gear system to propel and operate the toy vehicle components, such as the toy fire truck disclosed in U.S. patent No. 5,766,056 ("race (Tsai)"). Tsai discloses a fire fighting vehicle in which the stairs are automatically raised and lowered by a transmission portion that also allows a small firefighter statue to climb up and down the stairs. The transmission part provides the propelling force of the fire engine by a group of small driving wheels and enables part of other firefighter statues to be rotated away from the two sides of the vehicle door.

What is needed, but not provided in the art, is a lever or wheel actuated toy vehicle having a movable portion that exposes or reveals various hidden surfaces and/or representations during play. What is also needed, but not provided, in the art is a lever or wheel actuated toy vehicle having a movable portion that automatically and/or sequentially presents the hidden surface or figurine during play.

Disclosure of Invention

Briefly stated, one aspect of the present invention is a lever actuated toy vehicle having a body, a chassis, and a lever. The body has a front end, a rear end, an interior, and an exterior. The chassis accommodates the body and has at least one front wheel near the front end and one rear wheel near the rear end. A motor is disposed in one of the body and the chassis and is drivingly connected to at least one of the wheels. The control lever is movably supported on one of the chassis and the body of the toy vehicle such that a user may move the control lever between a first position and a second position. The toy vehicle also includes a movable portion and an actuator mechanism. The movable portion is at least partially located outside the vehicle body and partially located inside the vehicle body. The movable portion is supported on at least one of the chassis and the body for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The actuator mechanism is operatively connected to the motor and the movable portion. The actuator mechanism moves the movable portion from the hidden position to the revealed position with the power of the motor when the lever moves from the first position to the second position, and returns the movable portion from the revealed position to the hidden position after a predetermined period of time.

In another aspect, the present invention is another lever actuated toy vehicle having a body, a chassis, and a lever. The body has a front end, a rear end, an interior, and an exterior. The chassis accommodates the body and has at least one front wheel near the front end and one rear wheel near the rear end. The control lever is movably supported on one of the chassis and the body of the toy vehicle such that a user may move the control lever between a first position and a second position. The toy vehicle also includes a movable portion, an actuator mechanism, and a movable element. The movable portion is at least partially located outside the vehicle body and partially located inside the vehicle body. The movable portion is supported on at least one of the chassis and the body for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The actuator mechanism is operatively connected to the control rod and the movable portion. The actuator mechanism mechanically translates the movable portion from the concealed position to the revealed position when the lever is moved from the first position to the second position, and may return the movable portion from the revealed position to the concealed position. The movable part is operatively connected to one of the control rod and the actuator mechanism. The movable member is supported on at least one of the chassis and the body for movement between a stowed position and an operative position.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is a wheel-actuated toy vehicle having a body, a chassis, and a crank wheel. The body has a front end, a rear end, an interior, and an exterior. The chassis accommodates the body and has at least one front wheel near the front end and one rear wheel near the rear end. The crank wheel is movably supported on one of the chassis and the body of the toy vehicle such that a user can move the crank wheel between a first position and a second position. The toy vehicle also includes a movable portion, an actuator mechanism, and a movable element. The movable portion is at least partially located outside the vehicle body and partially located inside the vehicle body. The movable portion is supported on at least one of the chassis and the body for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The actuator mechanism is operatively connected to the crank wheel and the movable portion. The actuator mechanism mechanically translates the movable portion from the stowed position to the deployed position as the crank wheel rotates from the first position to the second position, and returns the movable portion from the deployed position to the stowed position as the crank wheel rotates from the second position to the first position. The movable part is operably connected to one of the crank wheel and the actuator mechanism. The movable member is supported on at least one of the chassis and the body for movement between a lowered position and a raised position.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a first preferred embodiment of a lever actuated toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1A in a partially actuated position;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the toy vehicle of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the first preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 3A in a partially actuated position;

fig. 4 is an exploded view of the toy vehicle of fig. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment to the first preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 5A in a partially actuated position;

fig. 6 is an exploded view of the toy vehicle of fig. 5A and 5B;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view illustrating a second preferred embodiment of a lever actuated toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 7A in a partially actuated position;

fig. 8 is an exploded view of the toy vehicle of fig. 7A and 7B;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view illustrating a third preferred embodiment of a lever actuated toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 9A in a partially actuated position;

fig. 10 is an exploded view of the toy vehicle of fig. 9A and 9B;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the third preferred embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 11A in a partially actuated position;

fig. 12 is an exploded view of the toy vehicle of fig. 11A and 11B;

fig. 13A is a perspective view illustrating a fourth preferred embodiment of a wheel-actuated toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 13A in a partially actuated position;

fig. 14 is an exploded view of the toy vehicle of fig. 13A and 13B;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fourth preferred embodiment of FIGS. 13A and 13B;

fig. 15B is a perspective view of the toy vehicle of fig. 15A in a partially actuated position;

fig. 16 is an exploded view of the toy vehicle of fig. 15A and 15B;

fig. 17 is an enlarged detail view of the actuator mechanism of the toy vehicle of fig. 9A and 9B; and

fig. 18 is an enlarged detail view of the actuator mechanism of the toy vehicle of fig. 11A and 11B.

In the drawings, the main elements represent symbol tables

20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720

30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730

31, 331

32, 132, 232, 432, 532, 632, 732

33, 133, 233, 633, 733

34, 134, 234, 434, 534, 634, 734

35, 135, 335, 435

36

37, 437, 537, 737

38, 138, 238, 438, 538, 638, 738

40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740

42, 142, 242, 342, 442, 542, 642, 742

44, 144, 244, 344, 444, 544, 644, 744

50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750

Motor

Shaft of

70, 170, 270, 370a-370c, 470a, 570a, 670a-c, 770a-c

71. hinge mechanism

72, 172, 272, 372, 472, 572, 672, 772

74, 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674, 774

76, 176, 276, 376a-376c, 576, 676a-c, 776a-c

77.. inclined surface

78.. water column cannon or nozzle

80, 380, 482, 582, 682, 684, 782, 784

82, 382, 685, 785

Drive gear

Power starter

86, 386, 686, 786, 788

87, 387, 387b, 387c, 687, 787

90.

92.. sound generator

94.. rotary actuated switch

94, 95

178, 378

337

371

379. rotating searchlight or spotlight

383

383a

385

Second movable portion lever 470b, 570b, 670d, 770d

476a

476b, 769a, 769c

483, 583

484, 485, 584, 585

486, 586

487

571

587

588

588a

635, 735

652, 752

678

768

U1.. sound synthesis controller

Detailed Description

Several terms are used hereinafter for convenience of description only and are not intended to be limiting. "right," "left," "lower," and "upper" refer to directions as indicated in the referenced figures. "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the article in question and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the specific words above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Furthermore, the appearances of the phrases "a" or "an" in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same item.

In general, the present invention includes toy vehicles that are actuated by a user with levers or wheels and/or combinations thereof to perform various mechanized functions. In the drawings, like numerals are used to designate like elements.

Referring to fig. 1A and 1B, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a lever actuated toy vehicle 20 having a body 30, a chassis 40, and a lever 50. The body has a front end 32, a rear end 34, an interior (within the body 30), and an exterior 38. The chassis 40 houses the body 30 and has at least one front wheel 42 proximate the front end 32 and a rear wheel 44 proximate the rear end 34. The chassis 40 preferably has two of the front wheels 42 and two of the rear wheels 44. Body 30 and chassis 40 provide the toy vehicle 20 with the overall appearance of a service-quality vehicle, such as a police vehicle, fire truck, construction vehicle, or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the toy vehicle 20 has the overall appearance of a fire fighting vehicle and has a flashing stick 35 on the roof 33.

A motor 60 (fig. 2) is disposed in one of the body 30 and the chassis 40 and is drivingly connected to at least one of the wheels 42 and 44. The motor 60 is preferably a Direct Current (DC) motor. The motor 60 is optionally a reversible motor. The control lever 50 is movably supported on one of the chassis 40 and the body 30 of the toy vehicle 20 so that a user can move between a first position (fig. 1A) and a second position (fig. 1B). In the preferred embodiment, the control lever 50 has the appearance of a spotlight and is positioned on the drive side door 36 of the toy vehicle 20. The toy vehicle 20 also includes a movable portion 70 and an actuator mechanism 80 (fig. 2). The movable portion 70 is at least partially located in the exterior 38 of the body 30 and partially located in the interior 37 of the body 30. The movable portion 70 is supported on at least one of the chassis 40 and the body 30 for movement between a stowed position (fig. 1A) and a deployed position (fig. 1B).

The actuator mechanism 80 is operatively connected to the motor 60 and the movable portion 70, the actuator mechanism 80 moves the movable portion 70 from the stowed position to the deployed position with the power of the motor 60 after the lever 50 is moved from the first position to the second position, and returns the movable portion 70 from the stowed position to the stowed position after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, as shown, the actuator mechanism 80 includes a gear train or transmission portion 82 that intermeshes with the shaft 62 of the motor 60, the predetermined period of time is preferably determined by a mechanical cam 86 operatively connected to the actuator mechanism 80. when the lever 50 is operated by a user, a switch 94 is closed and the motor 60 begins to operate, thereby causing the mechanical cam 86 to rotate and support or maintain the switch 94 even after the lever 50 is released, the switch 94 is no longer maintained and power is removed from the motor 60. of course, other means for latching the switch 94 after the lever 50 is released may be used, including the use of a latching timer relay, timer Integrated Circuit (IC), counter IC, microprocessor, etc., without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The gear train 82 includes at least one power actuator 84 to drive an accessory such as the cam 86. The gear train 82 may include a plurality of power actuators 84 to drive a plurality of accessories such as the cam 86. Alternatively, a single power actuator 84 may be used to drive multiple auxiliary devices, such as the cam 86, so that the movable portions 70 may be moved in unison from a stowed position to a deployed position. Also, a combination of cams 86 may be used, wherein each cam 86 has a unique timing relay to move each of the plurality of movable portions 70 in a predetermined sequence of operation, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The movable portion 70 of the lever actuated toy vehicle 20 has a first surface 72 that is visible in at least the hidden position of the toy vehicle 20 and a second surface 74 that is visible only in the revealed position of the toy vehicle 20. The first and second surfaces 72 and 74 each have features sufficient to create a difference to distinguish one from another. In the preferred embodiment, the movable portion 70 is part of a hatch or "truck cover" 31 that is hingedly connected to the remainder of the truck cover via a hinge mechanism 71. Of course, the movable portion 70 could also be a door, window, cover, cockpit, roof, sunroof, trunk cover, hatchback, etc., without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The lever activated toy vehicle 20 also includes a figurine 76 disposed at least partially within the body 30 of the toy vehicle 20. The figurine 76 is obscured when the movable part 70 is in the concealed position (fig. 1A), while the figurine 76 is visible when the movable part 70 is in the revealed position (fig. 1B). Preferably, the figurine 76 moves (or "bounces") from a retracted position to an extended position when the movable portion moves from the concealed position to the revealed position. In the preferred embodiment, the figurine 76 has the overall appearance of a firefighter, or the upper body, arms, and head of at least one firefighter. In addition, the firefighter statue 76 is aimed at a water column cannon or nozzle 78, which also moves with the movable portion 70 and the firefighter statue 76 from a first position to a second position. The figurine 76 has a sloped surface 77 (fig. 2) that extends downwardly below the figurine 76 and engages the lobe 87 of the cam 86. The inclined surface 77 follows the lobe 87 during operation, thereby rendering the figurine 76 in tact.

The lever actuated toy vehicle 20 also includes a control circuit 90 (fig. 2) having a battery or battery BT disposed in at least one of the body 30 and the chassis 40. The lever actuated toy vehicle 20 also includes a sound generator 92 electrically connected to the control circuit 90. The flash wand 35 is also electrically connected to the control circuit 90. When the switch 94 is closed, the battery BT provides power to the motor 60 and the control circuit 90. The control circuit 90 preferably includes a sound synthesis controller U1 that stores control programs and prerecorded sound bytes for output to the sound generator 92. The control circuit 90 energizes the flash wand 35 to illuminate or flash and simultaneously drive the sound generator 92 with a playback sound byte, music, siren, speaker, etc.

In use, the user first temporarily moves the lever 50 from the first position to the second position, once the lever 50 reaches the second position, the switch 94 is closed, thereby causing the battery BT to provide power to the motor 60 and the control circuit 90, as described above, the motor 60 begins to rotate, which drives the gear train 82, the gear train 82 drives the mechanical cam 86 through the power initiator 84, causing the lobe 87 of the cam 86 to engage the switch 94 for a predetermined time depending on the shape or length of the lobe 87. the gear train 82 also drives at least one of the wheels 42 and 44 with a drive gear 83. As a result, the lever actuates the toy vehicle 20 to advance approximately 4 to 6 feet as the movable portion 70 moves from the stowed position shown in FIG. 1A to the deployed position shown in FIG. 1B, and then causes the movable portion 70 to resume the stowed position from the deployed position before rotation of the toy vehicle 20 ceases When the moveable portion (hatch) 70 is opened, the previously obscured firefighter representation 76 may be physically present or jump out, when the mechanical sequence is complete, the representation 76 is lowered again into the compartment and the moveable portion 70 covers the representation 76, actuation of the moveable portion 70 and the representation 76 is fully automated and does not require any additional manipulation by the user after the first actuation of the lever 50 is completed.

In an alternative embodiment of the first preferred embodiment shown in fig. 3A, 3B and 4, a lever actuated toy vehicle 120 has a body 130, a chassis 140, and a lever 150. The body has a front end 132, a rear end 134, an interior (within the body 130), and an exterior 138. The chassis 140 houses the body 130 and has at least one front wheel 142 proximate the front end 132 and a rear wheel 144 proximate the rear end 134. The body 130 and chassis 140 give the toy vehicle 120 the overall appearance of a police vehicle and have a flashing stick 135 on the roof 133. The operation of the lever actuated police car 120 is substantially the same as the operation of the lever actuated fire truck 20 described above. Of course, the figurine 76 of the fire truck 20 has the appearance of a firefighter, and here, the figurine is the appearance of a police officer 176 holding a siren 178. The movable portion 170 of the lever actuated toy vehicle 120 has a first surface 172 that is visible in at least the hidden position of the toy vehicle 120 and a second surface 174 that is visible only in the revealed position of the toy vehicle 120. The first and second surfaces 172 and 174 each have characteristics sufficient to create a difference to distinguish one from another.

In another alternative embodiment of the first preferred embodiment shown in fig. 5A, 5B and 6, a lever actuated toy vehicle 220 has a body 230, a chassis 240, and a lever 250. The body has a front end 232, a rear end 234, an interior (within the body 230), and an exterior 238. The chassis 240 houses the body 230 and has at least one front wheel 242 proximate the front end 232 and a rear wheel 244 proximate the rear end 234. The body 230 and chassis 240 give the toy vehicle 220 the overall appearance of a work vehicle having a flashing beacon 235 on the roof 233. The operation of the lever actuated work vehicle 220 is substantially the same as the operation of the lever actuated fire truck 20 described above. Of course, the figurine 76 of the fire truck 20 has the appearance of a firefighter, where the figurine 276 has the appearance of a construction crew. The movable portion 270 of the lever actuated toy vehicle 220 has a first surface 272 that is visible in at least the hidden position of the toy vehicle 220 and a second surface 274 that is visible only in the revealed position of the toy vehicle 220. The first and second surfaces 272 and 274 each have features sufficient to create differences to distinguish one from another.

Fig. 7A, 7B and 8 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is also a lever actuated toy vehicle 320 having a body 330, a chassis 340, and a lever 350. The lever actuated toy vehicle 320 of the second preferred embodiment incorporates many of the attributes and features of the first preferred embodiment. However, the lever actuated toy vehicle 320 includes a plurality of enhancements, such as multiple operating functions and a plurality of movable portions 370a-370c concealing a plurality of representations 376a-376c, as described below.

In the preferred embodiment, the lever 350 has the appearance of a side exhaust and is positioned below a drive side door 337 of the toy vehicle 320. The toy vehicle 320 also includes a first movable portion 370a, a second movable portion 370b, and a third movable portion 370c, all of which are operatively connected to an actuator mechanism 380 (fig. 8), which is conceptually similar to the actuator mechanism 80 of the first preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, a gear train 382 includes at least one power actuator 384 to drive an accessory such as a cam 386. The gear train 382 may include the plurality of power actuators 384 to drive a plurality of auxiliary devices such as the cam 386. Here, a single power actuator 384 is used to drive a plurality of auxiliary devices such as the cam 386, a second movable portion lever 389, and a third movable portion lever 385 so that the plurality of movable portions 370a-370c can be simultaneously moved from a concealed position to a revealed position. However, a combination of cams 386 may be used, wherein each cam 386 has a unique timing relay to move each of the plurality of movable portions 370a-370c in a predetermined sequence of operation without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The lever actuates the first movable portion 370a of toy vehicle 320 as a "colored" drive side door window that faces "up" when in a hidden position (fig. 7A) and "down" when in a revealed position (fig. 7B) the first figurine 376a is disposed within the body 330 of toy vehicle 320 behind the first movable portion 370 a. thus, the first figurine 376a is hidden when the first movable portion 370a is in the "up" or hidden position (fig. 7A) and the figurine 376a is visible when the movable portion 370a is in the "down" or revealed position (fig. 7B.) in the preferred embodiment, the lever 350 is directly connected to a first rotatable arm 383 having a protrusion 383a to engage with a slot 371 in the first movable portion 370a when the lever 350 is moved from a first position to a second position 371, first arm 383 is correspondingly rotated, purely mechanically, from a position in which window 370a is facing upward to a position in which window 370a is facing downward, first figurine 376a has the general appearance of a police officer, or at least an officer's upper body, arms and head, preferably first figurine 376a also has a "vibrating head" feature.

The second movable portion 370B of the lever actuated toy vehicle 320 is a colored driving side rear window that faces "up" in a hidden position (fig. 7A) and "out" in a revealed position (fig. 7B). The second movable portion 370b is preferably rotated to the outward or the revealed position, thereby extending outwardly from the body 330 of the toy vehicle 320. Second figurine 376b is positioned within body 330 of toy vehicle 320 behind second movable portion 370 b. Thus, second figurine 376B is obscured when second movable portion 370B is in the "up" or hidden position (FIG. 7A), while figurine 376B is visible when movable portion 370B is in the "down" or revealed position (FIG. 7B). Second statue 376b has the overall appearance of a police dog. Preferably, the second figurine 376b is attached to an interior surface of the second movable portion 370b to move out of the body 330 of the toy vehicle 320 together as the second movable portion 370b moves out of the body 330.

The third movable portion 370c of the lever actuated toy vehicle 320 is part of a hatch or "truck cover" 331 that is hingedly connected to the remainder of the truck cover 331. Third figurine 376c is positioned within body 330 of toy vehicle 320 below third movable portion 370 c. Accordingly, third figurine 376c is obscured when third movable portion 370c is in the concealed position (FIG. 7A), and figurine 376c is visible when movable portion 370c is in the revealed position (FIG. 7B). Preferably, when third movable portion 370c is moved from the concealed position to the revealed position, figurine 376c is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Third statue 376c has the general appearance of a police officer, or the upper body, arms, and head of at least one police officer. In addition, third statue 376c is talking to a siren 378. The movable portion 370c of the lever actuated toy vehicle 320 has a first surface 372 that is visible in at least the hidden position of the toy vehicle 320 and a second surface 374 that is visible only in the revealed position of the toy vehicle 320. The first and second surfaces 372 and 374 each have features sufficient to create differences to distinguish one from another.

The lever actuated toy vehicle 320 also includes a control circuit 90 (fig. 8) having a battery pack BT. similar to the first preferred embodiment, the sound generator 92 and flash wand 335 being electrically connected to the control circuit 90. the toy vehicle has a switch 94, the switch 94 being actuated when the lever 350 is in a second position shown in phantom in fig. 11. when the lever 350 is moved by a user from the first position (fig. 7A) to the second position (fig. 7B), only the first movable portion 370a is moved from the concealed position (up) to the revealed position (down). when the lever 350 reaches the second position, the first movable portion 370a is in the concealed position and the switch 94 is closed to provide power to the motor 60. the motor 60 rotates the drive shaft 62 which in turn causes the gear train 82 to rotate a cam 386. then one of the primary lobes of the cam 387 engages the switch for a period of time Once the lever 350 is released by the user, the lever 350 reverts back to the first position (fig. 7A) and causes the first arm 383 to move the first movable portion 370a to the concealment position, the flash rod 335 flashes when a sound byte is generated on the sound generator 92 after a predetermined period of time, the second and third movable portions 370b and 370c move from the concealment position to the presentation position, the cam 386 may also include second and third lobes 387b and 387c to actuate the second movable portion lever 389 and the third movable portion lever 385 after different points in time within the predetermined time interval defined by the primary lobe 387A.

Optionally, the gear train 382 drives at least one of the wheels 342 and 344 to move the toy vehicle 320 generally forward. In either scenario, after the operation is performed, the movable portions 370b and 370c are returned from the revealed position to the hidden position.

Moreover, the lever actuated toy vehicle 320 of the second preferred embodiment includes a rotating searchlight or spotlight 379 mounted to the body 330 of the toy vehicle 320. Preferably, the spotlight 379 is not motorized for automatic operation, but it is apparent that the spotlight 379 can be motorized and made movable without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

A third preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig. 9A, 9B and 10, which is also a lever actuated toy vehicle 420 having a body 430, a chassis 440, and a lever 450. The body 430 has a front end 432, a rear end 434, an interior 437, and an exterior 438. The chassis 440 houses the body 430 and has at least one front wheel 442 proximate the front end 432 and a rear wheel 444 proximate the rear end 434. Preferably, the toy vehicle 420 has two front wheels 442 and two sets of rear wheels 444 staggered in pairs like tractor trailers. The control lever 450 is movably supported on one of the chassis 440 and the body 430 of the toy vehicle 420 so that a user can move between a first or upright position (fig. 9A) and a second or downward position (fig. 9B).

The toy vehicle 420 also includes a moveable portion 470a, an actuator mechanism 482, and a moveable part 470 b. The movable portion 470a is at least partially located in the exterior 438 of the body 430 and partially located in the interior 437 of the body 430. The movable portion 470a is supported on at least one of the chassis 440 and the body 430 for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The movable portion 470a of the lever actuated toy vehicle 420 has a first surface 472 visible at least in the hidden position of the toy vehicle 420 and a second surface 474 visible only in the revealed position of the toy vehicle 420. The first and second surfaces 472 and 474 each have features sufficient to create a difference to distinguish one from another. The actuator mechanism 482 is operably connected to the lever 450 and the moveable portion 470 a. The actuator mechanism 482 is powered by mechanical translation to move the moveable portion from the stowed position to the deployed position when the lever 450 is moved from the first position to the second position, and may cause the moveable portion to subsequently return from the deployed position to the stowed position. The moveable part 470b is operably connected to one of the lever 450 and the actuator mechanism 482. The movable part 470b is supported on at least one of the chassis 440 and the body 430 for movement between a stowed position and an operative position.

In the preferred embodiment, the user moves lever 450 from the first position to the second position to operate actuator mechanism 482, which actuates toy vehicle 420 without the use of a motor at all, and is fixed as a free-wheeling toy vehicle, actuator mechanism 482 and its components are shown in FIG. 17, actuator mechanism 482 includes a base portion 483, a rearwardly extending arm 484, a forwardly extending arm 485, and an actuating ramp 486, base portion 483 is fixedly mounted within body 430 of toy vehicle 420, rearwardly extending arm 484 is rotatably mounted at the forward most end of base portion 483, and forwardly extending arm 485 is rotatably mounted at the rearward most end of base portion 483 to intersect hand arms 484 and 485 (not clearly shown), a finger 487 is provided below hand arms 484 and 485 and adjacent to the intersection 484 and 485. finger 487 is connected to lever 450, so that when the lever 450 is pulled down, the finger 487 can raise the arms 484 and 485 into an X-shaped configuration resembling a scissor or accordion lift mechanism, when the rearward extending arm 484 is raised, it pushes the second movable part 470b upward, causing the second movable part 470b to rotate outward, the second movable part 470b is spring biased to return to the stowed position as the rearward extending arm is lowered, likewise, when the forwardly extending arm 485 is raised, it pushes the first movable portion 470a upward, moving the first movable portion 470a from the stowed position to the deployed position, the first movable portion 470a is also biased by a spring to return to the stowed position when the forwardly extending arm 485 is lowered, and, the actuation ramp 486 closes the switch 94 when the rearwardly extending arm 484 is raised.

The toy vehicle 420 includes a control circuit 90 (fig. 10) having a battery or battery BT (not shown) disposed in at least one of the body 430 and the chassis 440, which is closely similar to the control circuit 90 described above. The lever actuated toy vehicle 420 also includes a sound generator 92 electrically connected to the control circuit 90. The flash stick 435 is also electrically connected to the control circuit 90. When the switch 94 is turned off, the battery BT supplies power to the control circuit 90. The control circuit 90 energizes the flash bar 435 to emit light or flash and simultaneously drive the sound generator 92 with playing audio bytes, music, sirens, speakers, etc.

In use, a user moves the lever 450 from the first position (fig. 9A) to the second position (fig. 9B), which in turn causes the mechanical actuator mechanism 482 to move the moveable portion 470a from the concealed position to the revealed position, and at the same time, a gun turret 476a jumps out from under the moveable portion 470 a. At the same time, the moveable part 470b rotates approximately 90 degrees after the lever 450 is actuated, i.e., a door 470b is swung away from the side of the toy vehicle 420, exposing a water gun or cannon 476 b. When the lever 450 reaches the second position, the switch 94 is closed, thereby causing the control circuit 90 to energize the flash bar 435 and generate a sound byte at the sound generator 92. Release of lever 450 retracts the jump out gun turret 476a and the moveable portion 470a also simultaneously returns to the stowed position. At the same time, the movable part 470b is pivoted back up to the storage position. Release of the lever 450 also stops the flash stick 435 and sound effects, although optionally they may be set to stop after a predetermined time has expired.

An alternative embodiment of the third preferred embodiment is shown in fig. 11A, 11B and 12, which includes a lever actuated toy vehicle 520, a body 530, a chassis 540, and a lever 550. The body 530 has a front end 532, a rear end 534, an interior 537, and an exterior 538. The chassis 540 houses the body 530 and has at least one pair of front wheels 542 adjacent to two front wheels and two sets of rear wheels 544 in staggered pairs like tractor trailers. The lever 550 is movably supported on one of the chassis 540 and the body 530 of the toy vehicle 520 so that a user can move between a first or upright position (fig. 11A) and a second or downward position (fig. 11B). In the preferred embodiment, the control lever 550 has the overall appearance of a cannon and is positioned directly aft of the cab 539 of the toy vehicle 520.

The toy vehicle 520 also includes a moveable portion 570a, an actuator mechanism 582 (FIG. 18), and a moveable part 570b, the moveable portion 570a being at least partially located on an exterior 538 of the body 530 and partially located on the interior 537 of the body 530, the moveable portion 570a being supported on at least one of the chassis 540 and the body 530 for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, the actuator mechanism 582 being operably coupled to the lever 550 and the moveable portion 570a, the moveable portion 570a of the lever actuated toy vehicle 520 having a first surface 572 that is visible at least in the stowed position of the toy vehicle 520, and a second surface 574 that is visible only in the deployed position of the toy vehicle 520, the first and second surfaces 572 and 574 each having characteristics sufficient to produce a difference in order to distinguish one from the other, the actuator mechanism 582 being mechanically flat when the lever 550 is moved from the first position to the second position The motive force of movement moves the moveable portion 570a from the stowed position to the deployed position and may then return the moveable portion from the deployed position to the stowed position, the moveable part 570b is operably connected to one of the lever 550 and the actuator mechanism 582, the moveable part 570b is supported on at least one of the chassis 540 and the body 530 for movement between a stowed position and an operative position, hi this embodiment, the toy vehicle 520 has the general appearance of a work vehicle and the moveable part 570b has the general appearance of a bed, the actuator mechanism is fully mechanized, similar to the third preferred embodiment, here, the rotational characteristics of the moveable part 570b are rotated approximately 90 degrees after the lever 550 is actuated, i.e., the lever actuates the scoop 570b of the toy vehicle 520 to the side, and, the moveable portion 570a exposes a pop-up construction personnel statue 576 when the moveable portion is moved to the display position.

Referring in detail to fig. 18, the actuator mechanism 582 includes a base portion 583, a first arm 584, a second arm 585, and an actuation ramp portion 586. The actuation ramp portion 586 is an engaging or integrally formed projection of the second arm 585. The first arm 584 is bolted to the base 583 to move toward the actuation ramp 586, thereby raising the second arm 585. An actuator piston 587 is coupled to the control rod 550 such that when the control rod 550 is pushed downward, the actuator piston 587 pushes downward toward the first arm 584. When the first arm 584 is pushed downward, one end contacts and correspondingly moves the second arm 585 upward, which in turn pushes against a movable portion piston 571 to move the first movable portion 570a from the concealed position to the revealed position. The moveable part piston 571 is spring biased to return to the concealed position when the second arm 585 is lowered (i.e. the lever 550 is released). When the first movable arm 584 pushes against the actuation ramp 586, the actuation ramp 586 pushes the switch 94 to an off position. The actuator mechanism 582 also includes a spring-loaded clutch 588 connected between the lever 550 and the second moveable part 570b such that when the lever 550 is moved from the first position to the second position, the clutch 588 correspondingly rotationally moves the bucket 570b unless there is an excessive resistance sufficient to overcome the clutch spring 588a.

Figures 13A, 13B and 14 show a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, a wheel-actuated toy vehicle 620. The wheel-actuated toy vehicle 620 has a body 630, a chassis 640, a crank wheel 650, and a button 652. The body 630 has a front end 632, a rear end 634, an interior (not expressly shown), and an exterior 638. The chassis 640 houses the body 630 and has at least one front wheel 642 near the front end 632 and a rear wheel 644 near the rear end 634. Preferably, the toy vehicle 620 has two of the front wheels 642 and two of the rear wheels 644. Preferably, the toy vehicle 620 has the overall appearance of a work vehicle. The crank wheel 650 is movably supported on one of the chassis 640 and the body 630 of the toy vehicle 620 so that a user can rotationally move between a first position in which the bottom of the crank wheel 650 is exposed to a downward advancement stop (not shown) and a second position in which the top of the crank wheel 650 is exposed to an upward advancement stop (not shown). Each such advancement stop may be defined purely by way of limiting the length of the thread, or alternatively by way of providing a solid projecting abutment that limits advancement.

The toy vehicle 620 also includes a first movable portion 670a, a second movable portion 670b, a third movable portion 670c, a first actuator mechanism 682, a second actuator mechanism 684, and a movable part 670d, the first actuator mechanism 682 is operably connected to the crank wheel 650, the third movable portion 670c, and the movable part 670d, and the second actuator mechanism 684 is operably connected to the first and second movable portions 670a and 670b, the first actuator mechanism 682 is fully mechanically operated by the power generated by a user rotating the crank wheel 650 from the first position to the second position, the first actuator mechanism 682 mechanically translationally moves the third movable portion 670c from the stowed position to the deployed position as the crank wheel 650 rotates from the first position to the second position, and returns the third movable portion 670c from the revealed position to the concealed position when the crank wheel 650 is rotated in the opposite direction from the second position to the first position, the movable member 670d is supported on at least one of the chassis 640 and the body 630 (in this case the body 630) for movement between a stowed position (fig. 13A) and an operational position (fig. 13B).

The second actuator mechanism 684 is operably coupled to the first and second movable portions 670a and 670b and is configured to move the movable portions 670a and 670b from the concealed position to the revealed position. Specifically, the second actuator mechanism 684 moves the first and second movable portions 670a and 670b from the concealed position to the revealed position and, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, causes the first and second movable portions 670a and 670b to return from the revealed position to the concealed position. The movable portion 670b of the toy vehicle 620 has a first surface 672 that is visible in at least the hidden position of the toy vehicle 620 and a second surface 674 that is visible only in the revealed position of the toy vehicle 620. The first and second surfaces 672 and 674 each have features sufficient to create differences to distinguish one from another.

The second actuator mechanism 684 includes a gear train 685 that is geared to a shaft (not shown) of the motor 60. Preferably, the predetermined time is determined by a mechanical cam 686 operably connected to the second actuator mechanism 684. When the user operates the rotary crank wheel 650 or the button 652, the switch 94 is turned off and the motor 60 begins to operate, thereby rotating the mechanical cam 686 and maintaining the switch 94. When the mechanical cam 686 rotates past its timing lobe 687, the switch 94 is no longer maintained and power is removed from the motor 60.

The toy vehicle 620 also includes a pair of manually-extendable cantilever brackets 678 that can be manipulated directly by a user from a raised position (fig. 13A) to move to a lowered position (fig. 13B).

The wheel-activated toy vehicle 620 includes the motor 60, but the toy vehicle 620 is a free-wheeling vehicle. The motor 60 is provided for operating the first and second movable portions 670a and 670 b. The toy vehicle 620 also includes a control circuit 90 (fig. 14) having a battery or battery BT disposed in at least one of the body 630 and the chassis 640, which is closely similar to the control circuit 90 described above. When the crank wheel 650 is moved a predetermined distance away from the forward down stop, the crank wheel 650 operates a rotary actuated switch 94 (i.e., switch contacts identical to any switch 94, but actuated by a rotary mechanism such as a cam or tab). Alternatively or additionally, the button 652 can actuate the switch 94. The wheel-activated toy vehicle 620 also includes a sound generator 92 electrically connected to the control circuit 90. A flash beacon 635 is also electrically connected to the control circuit 90. When the switch 94 is turned off, the battery BT supplies power to the control circuit 90. The control circuit 90 energizes the flashing beacon 635 to illuminate or flash and simultaneously drive the sound generator 92 with playing sound bytes, music, sirens, speakers, etc.

The first movable portion 670a is a driver side window that moves from an "up" or hidden position to a "down" or revealed position. Behind the first movable part 670a is a first figurine 676a that is visible when the first movable part 670a is in the reveal position, i.e., the window is "pulled down". The second and third movable portions 670b and 670c are hatches of a roof 633 of the toy vehicle 620. Below the second movable portion 670b is a second pop-out construction personnel representation 676b that holds the binoculars and looks rearward. Beneath the third movable portion 670c is a third jump-out construction personnel figurine 676c that is operating the control portion of the movable part 670d. The moveable part 670d has the overall appearance of a bucket. The movable part 670d moves from a lowered position (fig. 13A) to a raised position (fig. 13B) in response to corresponding rotation of the crank wheel 650 by the user.

In use, the user moves the crank wheel 650 from the first position (the downward advancement stop) to the second position (the upward advancement stop) causing the first mechanical actuator mechanism 682 to move the third movable portion 670c from the concealed position to the revealed position, the rotary actuated switch 94 is closed after the crank wheel 650 is a predetermined distance away from the downward advancement stop causing the control circuit 90 to energize the flash beacon 635 and generate an audio bit on the audio generator 92, the second actuator mechanism 684 causes the first construction personnel figurine 676a to be exposed behind the first movable portion 670a and the second construction personnel figurine 676b to be exposed below the second movable portion 670b, simultaneously, the movable portion 670d rotates about 30 to 45 degrees in response to rotation of the crank wheel 650, the crank wheel 650 may require multiple rotations (full rotations) to cause the movable portion 650 to move Reverse rotation of the crank wheel 650 causes the third figurine 676c to retract and the third movable portion 670c to return to the concealed position at the same time the movable part 670d rotates back down to the lowered position when the crank wheel 650 reaches the forward down stop, the switch 94 is no longer closed, stopping the flashing beacon 635 and sound, although optionally they may be set to stop after a preset time has expired by using a reservoir capacitor or by maintaining the switch 94 with a lobe of a cam, as described in the above embodiments.

An alternate embodiment of the fourth preferred embodiment is illustrated in fig. 15A, 15B and 16 and includes a wheel-actuated toy vehicle 720. The wheel-actuated toy vehicle 720 has a body 730, a chassis 740, and a crank wheel 750. The body 730 has a front end 732, a rear end 734, an inner section 737, and an outer section 738. The chassis 740 houses the body 730 and has two front wheels 742 and two rear wheels 744. Preferably, the toy vehicle 720 has the overall appearance of a fire-fighting aerial ladder vehicle. The crank wheel 750 is movably supported on one of the chassis 740 and the body 730 of the toy vehicle 720 so that a user can rotationally move between a first position in which the bottom of the crank wheel 750 is exposed to a downward advancement stop (not shown) and a second position in which the top of the crank wheel 750 is exposed to an upward advancement stop (not shown). Each of these advancement stops may be defined purely by limiting the length of the thread, or alternatively by providing a solid projecting abutment that limits advancement.

The toy vehicle 720 also includes a first movable portion 770a, a second movable portion 770b, a third movable portion 770c, a first actuator mechanism 782, a second actuator mechanism 784, and a movable part 770d. The first actuator mechanism 782 is operably coupled to the crank wheel 750, the first movable portion 770a, and the movable part 770d. The first actuator mechanism 782 mechanically translates the movable portion 770a from the stowed position (fig. 15A) to the deployed position (fig. 15B) as the crank wheel 750 rotates from the first position to the second position, and returns the movable portion 770a from the deployed position to the stowed position as the crank wheel 750 rotates in the opposite direction from the second position to the first position. The movable portion 770a of the toy vehicle 720 has a first surface 772 visible at least in the hidden position of the toy vehicle 720 and a second surface 774 visible only in the revealed position of the toy vehicle 720. The first and second surfaces 772 and 774 each have features sufficient to create differences to distinguish one from another. The movable member 770d is supported on at least one of the chassis 740 and the body 730 for movement between a stowed position and an operative position. The movable part 770d has the overall appearance of a step containing a bucket 768 that is pivoted to the uppermost end. A pair of hose nozzles or water guns 769a project from the sides of bucket 768.

Similar to the fourth preferred embodiment, the first actuator mechanism 782 of this embodiment is fully mechanically operated by power generated by a user rotating the crank wheel 750 from the first position to the second position, the crank wheel 750 operates the first movable portion 770a and the movable part 770d, the movable part 770d rotates about 45 to 60 degrees in accordance with the rotation of the crank wheel 750 and simultaneously extends outwardly from the toy vehicle 720 (i.e., the movable part 770d is an extendable, raisable, and rotatable step), the wheel-actuated toy vehicle 720 includes the motor 60 but the toy vehicle 720 is a free-wheeling vehicle, the second actuator mechanism 784 is operably connected with the second and third movable portions 770b and 770c, the second actuator mechanism 784 is used to move the second and third movable portions 770b and 770c from the stowed position to the deployed position, the second actuator mechanism 784 includes a gear train 785 that is geared with a shaft 62 of the motor 60. preferably, the predetermined time is determined by a primary mechanical cam 786 operably connected with the second actuator mechanism 784. when the button 752 is operated by a user, the switch 95 is closed and the motor 60 begins to operate, thereby rotating the mechanical cam 786 and maintaining the switch 95 in a closed state. when the primary cam 786 rotates its timing lobe 787, the switch 95 no longer remains closed (i.e., on) and power is removed from the motor 60. optionally, in turn, a cam 788 is also operably connected to the second actuator mechanism 784 and to the third movable portion 770c to provide a slight delay before the third movable portion begins to move from the stowed position to the stowed position. The toy vehicle 720 also includes a control circuit 90 (fig. 16) having a battery or battery BT disposed in at least one of the body 730 and the chassis 740, which is substantially similar to the control circuit 90 described above, although the switch 95 and the rotary-actuated switch 94 may both initiate a sound-light sequence, when the crank wheel 750 is moved a predetermined distance away from the forward-down stop, the crank wheel 750 operates the rotary-actuated switch 94, the wheel-actuated toy vehicle 720 also includes a sound generator 92 electrically connected to the control circuit 90, a flash beacon 735 is also electrically connected to the control circuit 90, when the switch 94 or 95 is closed, the battery BT provides power to the control circuit 90, the control circuit 90 provides energy to the flash 735 to illuminate or flash and simultaneously play a sound tuple, Music, sirens, speakers, etc. to drive the sound generator 92.

The first movable portion 770a is a hatch in the top of the bucket 768 that moves from a concealed position (fig. 15A) to a revealed position (fig. 15B). Below first movable portion 770a is a first figurine 776a that has the overall appearance of a firefighter operating gun 769a, jumping out when first movable portion 770a is moved to the display position. The second movable section 770B is a cab-side rear window that rotates from an "up" or hidden position (fig. 15A) to a "down" or exposed position (fig. 15B). Behind the second movable portion 770b is a second statue 776b which has the overall appearance of a fire-fighting dog, such as the dalmatian dog species. The third movable portion 770c is a cab-side rear panel that rotates from an "up" or stowed position (fig. 15A) to a "down" or deployed position (fig. 15B). Behind the third movable portion 770c is a third figurine 776c that has the overall appearance of a firefighter lying down and operating another gun 769c. The movable part 770d moves from a lowered position (fig. 15A) to a raised position (fig. 15B) in response to corresponding rotation of the crank wheel 750 by the user.

In use, the user rotates the crank wheel 750 from the first position (the downward advancement stop) to the second position (the upward advancement stop), thereby causing the first mechanical actuator mechanism 782 to drive the first movable portion 770a from the concealed position to the revealed position and raise the movable part 770d. Optionally, the movable part 770d may also be extended. When the crank wheel 750 is a predetermined distance from the forward down stop, the rotary actuated switch 94 is closed, thereby causing the control circuit 90 to energize the flash beacon 735 and generate an audio byte on the audio generator 92. The first firefighter statue 776a is exposed below the first movable portion 770 a. At the same time, the movable part 770d rotates approximately 45 to 60 degrees after the crank wheel 750 is actuated, i.e., the step 770d rotates from a lowered position resting on the roof 733 of the toy vehicle 720 to a raised position. The crank wheel 750 may require multiple rotations (full rotations) to move the moveable part 770d from the lowered position to the raised position. When the user operates the button 752, the dog-shaped figurine will rotate outwardly with the second movable part 770b and, after a slight delay, the other figurine 676c will rotate outwardly with the third movable part 770 c. Counter-rotation of the crank wheel 750 retracts the first figurine 776a independently of the timing cam. At the same time, the movable member 770d returns downwardly to the lowered position, resting on the roof 733 of the toy vehicle 720. When the crank wheel 750 reaches the forward down stop, the switch 94 is no longer closed, stopping the flashing beacon 735 and sound, although optionally they may be set to stop after a predetermined time has expired, by using a reservoir capacitor or the like. In addition to the button 752, the rotary actuated switch 94 may also initiate operation of the motor 60 to initiate operation of the second actuator mechanism 784. Other combinations of switches will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while all of the manually actuated operators have been discussed herein in terms of levers, buttons, and wheels, any manually actuated operator may be used when properly groomed as a vehicle component or part without departing from the broad inventive spirit of the present invention.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention includes a lever and wheel actuated toy vehicle and toy vehicle components. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are susceptible to various changes without departing from the broad inventive spirit thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A lever actuated toy vehicle (20) comprising:

a body (30) having a front end (32), a rear end (34), an interior, and an exterior (38);

a chassis (40) accommodating said body (30) and having at least one front wheel (42) adjacent said front end (32) and a rear wheel (44) adjacent said rear end (34);

a motor (60) disposed in one of the body (30) and the chassis (40) and drivingly connected to at least one of the wheels (42, 43);

a control lever (50) movably supported on one of said chassis (40) and said body (30) of said toy vehicle (20) for movement between a first position and a second position by a user;

a movable portion (70) at least partially located outside (38) of the body (30) and partially located inside the body (30), the movable portion (70) being supported on at least one of the chassis (40) and the body (30) for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, the movable portion (70) having a first surface (72) visible in at least the stowed position of the toy vehicle (20) and a second surface (74) visible only in the deployed position of the toy vehicle (20), the surfaces (72, 74) each having sufficient differential characteristics to distinguish the first and second surfaces (72, 74); and

an actuator mechanism (80) operatively connected to the motor (60) and the movable portion (70), the actuator mechanism (80) moving the movable portion (70) from the concealed position to the revealed position with the power of the motor (60) when the lever (50) is moved from the first position to the second position, and returning the movable portion (70) from the revealed position to the concealed position after a preset time.

2. The lever activated toy vehicle (20) according to claim 1 further comprising a figurine (76) disposed at least partially within a body (30) of the toy vehicle (20), wherein the figurine (76) is obscured when the movable portion (70) is in the concealed position and the figurine (76) is visible when the movable portion (70) is in the revealed position.

3. The lever actuated toy vehicle (20) according to claim 2 wherein said figurine (76) moves from a retracted position to an extended position when said movable portion (70) moves from said concealed position to said revealed position.

4. The lever actuated toy vehicle (20) according to claim 1 further including a control circuit (90) having a battery or battery pack disposed in at least one of said body (30) and said chassis (40).

5. The lever actuated toy vehicle (20) according to claim 4 further including a sound generator (92) electrically connected to said circuit (90).

6. The lever actuated toy vehicle (20) according to claim 4 further including a light source (35) electrically connected to said electrical circuit (90).

7. The lever actuated toy vehicle (20) according to claim 1 further including a movable part (370b) coupled to any one of the lever (50), the actuator mechanism (80), a crank (650), and a wheel (750).

8. The lever activated toy vehicle (20) according to claim 7 wherein the movable part (370b) is any one of an extended step (770d), a bucket (670d), and a truck bed (570 d).

9. The lever actuated toy vehicle (20) according to claim 1 wherein the movable portion (70) is any one of a door (770b), a window (370a), a hatch cover (70), a cover (31), a cab (539), and a roof (33).

10. The lever actuated toy vehicle (20) according to claim 1 wherein said body is any one of a police vehicle (20), a fire engine (20), and an engineering vehicle (20).