US3854716A - Moving figure toy roundabout - Google Patents

Abstract

1. MOVING FIGURE TOY COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A GENERALLY ENCLOSED BASE PORTION HAVING AN UPPER SURFACE LONGITUDINALLY EXTENSIVE IN EACH OF A PLURALITY OF DIRECTIONS, A PLURALITY OF ROTATABLY MOVABLE STRUCTURES CARRIED BY SAID BASE PORTION AT DIFFERING SPACED APART LOCATIONS ON SAID BASE PORTION''S UPPER SURFACE, MOTOR MEANS CONTAINED WITHIN SAID BASE PORTION, A DRIVING PINION GEAR MEANS CARRIED WITHIN SAID BASE PORTION IN A FIRST PLANE SPACED APART AND GENERALLY PARALLEL SAID UPPER SURFACE DRIVEN BY SAID MOTOR MEANS, A PLURALITY OF DRIVEN PINION GEAR MEANS CARRIED WITHIN SAID BASE PORTION EACH POSITIONED RELATIVE A RESPECTIVE ONE OF SAID MOVABLE STRUCTURES AND OPERATIVELY CONNECTED FOR IMPARTING MOVEMENT THERETO, EACH OF SAID DRIVEN PINION GEAR MEANS BEING NORMALLY DISPOSED IN A PLANE GENERALLY BENEATH THE PLANE OF SAID DRIVING PINION GEAR MEANS SO THAT SAID DRIVING PINION GEAR MEANS MAY ROTATE WITHOUT MESHING THEREWITH, AND MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY ELEVATING EACH OF SAID DRIVEN PINION GEAR MEANS FOR MESHING WITH SAID DRIVING PINION MEANS.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Spiegel [45] Dec. 17, 1974 [541 MOVING FIGURE TOY ROUNDABOUT 2,066,239 12/1936 Tahsler 46/122 X 2,194,238 3/1940 Weaver 272/31 R X [761 lnvemor- Nmma" New York, 2942,3711 6/1960 Ellis 46/122 x [73 Assign/3e; Nasta Industries Inc 3,589,060 6/1971 Genin .1 461/122 New York, NY. P b A O O h l rimary xaminernton ec s e [22] 1973 Assistant ExaminerArnold w. Kramer [21] Appl. No.: 352,603 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Armand E. Lackenbach et [52] US. Cl. 272/31 R, 46/122 511 161. c1 A63h 13/20 1 1 ABSTRACT Field 01 272/31 31 31 31 Moving figure toy providing the appearance of an 272/37, 36, 46, 47, 48; 46/ 140, 122 amusement park having a plurality of individually controllable and selectively operable parts in the form of [56] References Cited 7 roundabouts driven by common motor means.

UNITED STATES A S 13 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 858,768 7/1907 Thomas 272/36 1.376.281 3/1921 lessen 272/31 R 1,516,300 11/1924 Koper 272/31 R PAIENIED 953 I 7 sum 3 BF 3 mws m Q l MOVING FIGURE TOY ROUNDABOUT This invention relates generally to toys and, more particularly, to moving figure toys.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a moving figure toy providing the appearance of an amusement park, having a plurality of individually controllable and selectively operable rides driven from a single motor means. Removable and interchangeable figurines may be provided for riding on the various rides. Individual lever controls, extending outwardly of one side of the base portion, selectively operate the individual rides by a simple in-and-out movement. The various rides and the controls therefore may be colorcoded to aid in teaching color coordination. The interchangeable figurines aid in teaching manual dexterity.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a toy amusement park as described and disclosed.-

in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of novel methods and apparatus for amusing children.

Still another primary object of the presentinvention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is provision of novel methods and apparatus for driving a plurality of replica rides comprising portions of a toy amusement park from a single motor means.

Still another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of novel methods and apparatus for selecting and controlling such common drive means.

Still another and-still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of novel methods and apparatus for controlling a plurality of rotatably movable structures comprising'a toy amusement park, by levers extending outwardly of one side of a base portion thereof.

Another and still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of a novel toy amusement park apparatus providing a high' degree of play value while yet teaching'color coordination and manual dexterity.

A still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide novel and improved toy apparatus of the class described.

The present invention resides in the combination,

conjunction with the annexed drawing, describes, discloses, illustrates and shows a preferred embodiment or modification of the present invention and what is presently considered and believed to be the best mode of practice in the principles thereof. Other embodiments or modifications may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein, and such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved, especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the subjoined claims.

IN THE DRAWING FIG. 1 There is a side elevational view of a toy amusement park constructed in accordance with the principles. ofthe present invention;

' FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 ia an enlarged partial cross-sectionalillustration taken along 3-3 'of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric illustration of a representative control assembly utilized in the present invention;

FIG. v5 is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view taken along 5-5 of FIG. 2; r

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional illustration similar to the left-hand portion of FIG. 5 demonstrating the apparatus in the engaged or operative position thereof; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional elevational illustration taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2.

With reference now to the drawing, there is shown and illustrated a toy amusement park in accordance with the principles of the present invention designatedgenerally'by the reference character 10 comprising a generally rectangular base portion 12 having an upper surface 14 of generally rectangular configuration which is longitudinally extensive in each of a' plurality of directions and a front side portion 16 through which there extends the handle portions 18 (a-e) of a plurality of control levers 20 (a-e). Positioned on the upper surface 14 of the-base portion 12 there are provided a plurality of movable figure structures 22 defining miniature or replica rides such as a structure or ride 22a defining the appearance of a toy or replica merry-goround, a structure or ride 22b defining the appearance of a toy or replica ferris wheel, a structure or ride 22c defining the appearance of a replica or toy railroad, a structure or ride 22d defining the appearance of a replica or toy boat and a generally central elevated rotatably movable structure 22e carried on the upper end portion of a generally conical pylon 24 providing the appearance of a replica or toy airplane ride. Each of the rotatably movablestructures 22 (a-e) or rides may comprise a replica passenger carrying body or bodies 26 movable relative to the base portion 12 as, for example, a plurality of horse-shaped bodies 26a forming a part of the merry-go-round ride 22a, a plurality of bucket-like bodies 26b forming a partof the ferris wheel ride 22b, a plurality of train vehicles 24c forming a part of the toy train 22c, a plurality of boat-like vehicles 26d, forming a part of the boat ride 22d, a plurality of airplane-like bodies 26e, forming a partof the airplaneride 22e, and the like. The toy 10 may further comprise a plurality of figurines 28 adapted for carriage by each of the toy passenger-carrying bodies 24'a-24e.

portion l2'and subjacent the upper surface or wall 14 thereof. Further, there may be contained within the base portion 12 a battery housing 34 for containing therewithin one or more electrical energy cells 36 for operating the electric drive unit and connected therewith as by means of electrical conductors 38 and 40. The battery housing 34 may be provided with means for enabling insertion and replacement of the energy cells 36 therewith, as through a door or trap provided in the-top surface 14 of the base portion 12, while precluding a childs hands, fingers, or the like, from entering into or being injured by the various mechanisms contained within the base portion 12. The lever 20e, may be provided with a contact spring 42 which, upon inward movement of the lever 20e completes the electrical connection between the energy cells 36 and the drive unit 30, as by bridging engagement across a pair of spaced-apart contact members 44 and 46 carried by the battery housing 34 and in engagement with the electrode and case, respectively, of the energy cells 36 so that they are thereby connected in series with the electrical conductors 38 and 40 connected, respectively, with contacts 48 and engaging the contact 42 engaged across the contacts 44 and 46 to maintain energization of the drive unit 30 and rotation'of the driving pinion gear 32 which is disposed within thegenerally box-like base portion 12 and movably supported for rotation about an axis generally ver-.

tically extending through the center thereof, and in a first horizontal plane generally beneath the upper surface 14 of the base structure 12 and generally above the drive unit 30.

The upper surface 14 of the base portion 12 may be provided with an aperture 52 in general alignment with a stub axle 54 extending generally axially upwardly from the driving pinion gear 32 which may be provided with a non-circular generally axial socket 56 extending generally inwardly thereof generally centrally of the aperture 52 for engagement by a mating non-circular lower end portion 60 of a generallyvertically extending shaft 58 so, upon rotation of the driving pinion gear 32, the shaft 58 will be rotated therewith. The upper end portion of the shaft 58 may be provided with an upper non-circular portion 60 engaged within a mating noncircular socket 64 within a hub 66. Projecting generally radially outwardly of the hub 66 there may be provided a plurality of arms 68 each of which carries at its outward end portion one of the replica passenger carrying body 26e which may, as shown, be configured to provide the appearance of an airplane, as described hereinbefore, eachof which may be provided with a socket for containing therewithin one of the passenger figurines 28. The pylon 24 may be of generally truncated conical configuration surrounding the shaft 58 providing a circular aperture 70 rotatably supporting and guiding a generally cylindrical tenon 72 projecting downwardly of the hub 66 therewith so that the entire assembly driven by the shaft 58 defines the airplane ride portion 22e of the toy amusement part 10 which rotates upon energization of the drive unit 30.

Each of the other rides (22a-22r1) are selectively driven from the driving pinion gear 32 and the drive means therefor each comprise a driven pinion gear 74 selectively shifted into and out of engagement with the driving pinion gear 32 responsive to inward and outward movement, respectively, of the various associated levers 18. The gear shift mechanism associated with each of the driven pinion gears 74 are similar and, accordingly, only the gear shifting mechanism associated with the toy train ride 220 will be described in detail, being understood that the gear shifting mechanism associated with the driven pinion gears 74a, 74b and 74d are substantially similar to the gear shifting mechanism now to be described associated with the driven pinion gear 74c.

As heretofore pointed out, a driving pinion gear 32 is mounted for rotation generally centrally of the base portion 12 and in a first plane therewithin, generally subjacent the upper surface 14 thereof. The driven pinion gear 74c, and, of course, the other driven pinion gear 74a, 74b and 74d, are selectively movable as hereinbefore stated, into and out of engagement with the driving pinion gear 32 by means of inward and outward movement, respectively, of the lever 20c- In the engaged position, the driving pinion gear 740 lies substantially within the plane of the driving pinion gear 32 with the peripheral teeth thereof enmeshedl In the disengaged position, the driven pinion gear 740 is lowered to a plane generally parallel the plane of the driving pinion gear 32 and subjacent thereto-with the lever 200 being effective to selectively elevate and lower the driven pinion gear 740 upon inward and outward movement of the lever 20c, respectively.

The driven pinion gear 740 may be provided with a generally downwardly depending generally circular stub axle 76 mounted for rotation generally axially therewith and, as shown, for ease in molding and for economy of materials, the stub axle 76 may be of generally cylindrical configuration provided with a generally cylindrical bore 78 therewithin. The bottom of base surface 80 of the base portion 12 may be provided with a generally upwardly extending boss 82 provided with a bore 84 of generally cylindrical configuration for mating engagement with the stub axle 76 for guiding and supporting a driven pinion gear 74 for rotation coaxially therewith. The stub axle 76 and the counterbore 84 while of sufficient longitudinal extent as to provide for such rotational support both when the driven pinion gear 74 isin its lowermost position with the stub axle 76 substantially entirely into the counterbore 84, as shown in FIG. 5 or when the driven pinion gear 74 is in the elevated or engaged position, as indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Hence, the counterbore 84 and the stub axle 76 guide the driven pinion gear 74 for rotation while yet enabling shifting thereof between the upper position whereat said driven pinion gear is engaged with the driving pinion gear 32 and the lowered or disengaged positions thereof wherein the gears are disengaged so that the driven pinion gear 74 is not driven during rotation of the driving pinion gear 32.

As more clearly shown in FIG. 4, the boss 82 may be of generally rectangular configuration and may, as shown, comprise a generally unilateral rectangular configuration having a front edge 86 generally'parallel the front edge 16 of the base portion 12 and a rear edge 88 generally parallel thereto with the'front edge 86 being disposed between the rear edge 88 and the front edge 16 of the base 12 to thereby define a front and rear to the boss 82 with the front edge 86 of the boss 82 generally facing the handles 20.

Here, as elsewhere throughout this application, it is to be understood that terminology such as upper, lower, *front, rear, upwardly, and downwardly, as used in this description and in the subjoined claims,-along with other similar directional terminology, is to be construed and interpreted in its normal and accepted sense having reference to the apparatus as shown in the accompanying drawing and that such terminology. is not to be construed or interpreted in a limiting sense either in the description or in the subjoining claims since the same is used merely to facilitate an understanding of and to clearly set forth and particularly define the present invention;

The upper end portion of the boss 82 may be partially truncated, as shown, to provide a generally inclined surface 90 sloping upwardly and rearwardly from the front edge 86 to the rear edge 88 bounded on each of its two sides by side wall portions 92 and defining a generally cylindricalwall 94 surrounding the central counterbore 84. The lever may be provided on the inward endportion thereof, that is, the end portion thereof opposite the end portion carrying the handle portion 18, with a bifurcated elevating or bearing portion 96 having a forward edge surface 98 stemming generally perpendicular the lever 20 and'a pair of arms 102 extending generally rearwardly therefrom with each ofthe arms 102 comprising an outside surface 104 and defining a generally rearwardly facing opening 106 therebetween. The'arms' 102 are configured and spaced as to enable the cylindrical wall 94 to freely pass within the space 106 therebetween and with the outside surfaces 104 of the arms 102 engaged within the side walls 92 of the boss 82 so as to guide and support the bifurcated elevating or bearing portion 96 for forward and rearward movement relative thereto while yet enabling the bifurcated elevating or bearing portion 96 to move generally vertically within the side walls 92. The arms 102 further define a generally flat bearing surface 108 generally parallel the plane of the lever 20 and generally parallel the bottom of base surface 80 of the base portion 12 and thelower edges of the arms 102 are truncated for inclines to provide an inclined elevating surface sloping generally upwardly and rearwardly of the forward edge surface 98 at substantially the same angle as the angle of the angle of the inclined surface 90 of the boss 82. Hence, during inward and outward movement, respectively, of the lever 20 the inclined surfaces 90 and 110 will co-act so as to cam the bifurcated elevating or bearing portion or fork 96 generally upwardly or downwardly, respectively. The bearing surface 108 of the fork 96 engages the lower surface 110 of the driven pinion gear 74 and, therefore, elevates and lowers the driven pinion gear 74 into and out of engagement with the driving pinion gear 32 upon inward and outward movement, respectively, of the lever In order to maintain the lever 20 in the inward position thereof with the fork portion 96 and the driven pinion gear 74 in the elevated,meshed position relative the driving pinion gear 32, each of the arms 102 of the fork portion 96 may be provided with a generally upwardly extending notch 112 which may, as shown, be of generally triangular configuration positioned for mating engagement with a pair of generally upwardly extending generally triangular projections 114 extending generally upwardly from the. inclined surface generally inwardly of the side walls 92. As shown, the forward edges of the projections 114 are inclined so that, upon engagement thereof by the rearward edges of the arms 102, the arms 102 will be cammed upwardly and over the projections 114 enabling the notches 112 to bedropped on to the projections 114. Similarly, the rearward edge surfaces of the projections 114 and of the notch 112 are inclined so that upon outward pulling movement being applied to the levers 20 generally forwardly of the base portion 12, the rearward end portions of the arms 102 would be similarly cammed upwardly for disengagement of the projections 114 and the notches 112.

As a further aid in easy engagement and disengagement of the projections 114 within the notches 112, the lever 20 may be further supported by means of a ledge or projection 116 extending generally upwardly of the base portion 80 generally adjacent to the front edge or wall .16 to supportthe forward end portion of the lever 20 and enable the lever 20 to be generally rocked thcreabout so that, upon downward pressure being applied to the handle portion 18 of the lever 20, the bifurcated or fork portion 96 thereof will tend to rise for movement over the projections 114. Hence, downward pressure on the handle portion 18 of the lever 20 during either inward or outward movement thereof will tend to disengage the projections 114 from the notches 112 enabling a child or other operator to easily move tions.

With particular reference now to P10. 7, the replica ferris wheel ride 22b comprises a plurality of buckets 26 carried on the outward end portions of a plurality of arms 118 defining a pair of generally parallel, spacedapart, star-shaped side members 120 rotatable in a generally vertical plane about a generally central axis defined by an axle 122 and extending outwardly of a generally central hub 124. The-end portions of the axle 122 are carried by the upper end portions of a pair of generally parallel supports 126 extending generally upwardly of a base housing 128 carried by the upper surface 14 of the base portion 12 with the supports 126 being of' generally isoceles triangular configuration. Each of the supports 126 may be provided, adjacent the upper end portion thereof, with an aperture 130 into which the end portion of the axle 122 may tightly engaged. One of the hub portions 124 may be provided with a peripherally extending groove 132 so as to define a driven pulley 134 mounted for rotation with the arm 118. An endless belt 136 may be engaged within the groove 132 of the drivenpulley 134 extending. generally downwardly to an aperture 138 in the base housing 128 and engaged within a groove 1400f a driving pulley 142 contained within the base housing 128. The driving pulley 142 may be provided with a generally axially extending shaft 144 carried for rotation in a bearing support-146 extending generally upwardly of the upper surface 14 of the base portion 12 within the base housing 128. The shaft 144 may be further provided with a driven pinion 148 for rotation with the driving pulley 142 and extending downwardly through an opening 150 provided in the upper surface 14 of thebase portion 12 within the base housing 128 and generally adjacent the support 146 and generally above the driven pinion. gear 74b.-Extending generally upwardly of the upper surface of the driven pinion gear 7412 there may be provided a generally annular serrated surface 152 forengag'ement with the driven pinion 148 when the pinion gear 74b is inits elevated position engaged with the driving pinion gear 32 so that, upon rotation of the driving pinionv 32, the driven pinion gear 74b and serrated surface 152 will be rotated frictionally driving the driven pinion 148 and, through the'endless belt 136, causing rotation of the ferris wheel toy 22b in a generally vertical plane about the axle 122.

To resist the upward pressure generated by the arm 102 and tomaintain the driven pinion 148 engaged with the annular surface 152, an'aperture or bore 154 may be provided extending generally axially through the driven pinion gear 74b and stubaxle 76b and a stud 156 structurally associated with the upper surface 14 extended downwardly therethrough and structurally associated or connected with the lower surface 80 of the base portion 12 within the counter bore 84, as by means of a screw 15850 as to resist any flexure of either the top or upper surface 14 or lower surface 80 of the base portion 12 thereat. Accordingly, upon inward movement of the lever 18b, the driven pinion gear 74b will be meshed with the driving pinion gear 32 and, upon rotation of the driving pinion gear 32 bymeans of the drive unit 30, the ferris wheel toy 22b will be selectively actuated while, when the lever 18!) is in its outward position relative the base portion 12, the driven pinion gear 74b will be disengaged from the driving pinion gear 32 and the driven pinion 148 will be face 14 of the base portion 12. Projecting generally upwardly from the platform 160 are a plurality of support posts 164 carrying the replica horses 26a and a generally conical central pylon 166 mounted generally centrally on the platform 160 as by meansof a supporting wall. 168 molded integrally with the platform 160 adapted to be inserted within the lower portion of the pylon 166. As shown in FIG. 1, a canopy 170 may be carried by the central pylon 166 and the support posts 164 for rotation with the platform 160 and outerwall 162 in'the manner of real merry-go-rounds.

The platform 160 may be further provided with a generally centrally depending socket portion 172 having a non-circular bore 174 extending generally actually upwardly therewithin for engagement with a mating non-circular stub axle 176 extending generally centrally axially upwardly from the driven pinion gear 74a for rotation therewith. The stub axle 176.is slidable within the mating bore 174 so as to enable the driven pinion gear 74a to be elevated into engagement with the driving pinion gear 32 and lowered out of engagement therewith in the manner aforesaid under control of the lever 18a. Hence, upon rotation of the driven,

pinion gear 74a, the stub axle 176 will be driven and, thereby, the socket portion 172, platform and entire merry-go-round toy 22a.

As set forth above, the cylindrical outer wall 162 generally rests upon the upper surface 14 of the base 12 and to retain the replica merry-,go-round ride 22a positioned and associated with the upper surface 14 of the base 12, the surface 14 may be provided'with an aperture 178 to which the socket portion 172 extends and a bearing washer 180 may be structurally associated with the lower end portion of the socket portion 172 and connected therewith generally beneath the upper surface 14 with the bearing washer 180 being of a larger diameter than the diameter of the aperture 178.

In further reference to FIG. 5 and, inaddition, to FIG. 6,.wherein the toy train ride 22c is shown in detail, it may be seen that each of the toy railroad cars 24c are carried on the end portion of an arm extending outwardly generally radially from a central hub 184 and riding on a generally flat circular track 186. The track 186 is associated with the upper surface 14 of the base 12 by means of a generally peripherally extending generally cylindrical outer wall 188 and is further provided with a generally downwardly depending generally cylindrical inner hp 190 providing a narrow annular gap 192 within which there is disclosed a generally circular bearing disc 194. The bearing disc 194, accordingly, rests upon the upper surface 14 of the base 12 and is retained in superposition thereto by means of the lip 190.

The bearing disc 194 connected with the hub 184 by means ofa generally centrally disposed socket portion 196 depending from the hub 184 generally actually through the disc 194 and into an aperture 198 provided through the upper surface 14 of the base 12. The socket portion 196 is provided with a generally noncircular bore 202 into which there slidably extends a mating non-circular stub axle 204 extending generally axially upwardly of the driven pinion gear 74c for rotation therewith. Hence, the driven pinion gear 74c may be elevated as aforesaid into engagement with the driving pinion gear 32; the stub axle 204 sliding within the bore 202 and, upon rotation of the driven pinion gear 740 from the driving pinion gear 32, the socket portion 196, bearing disc 194, hub 184 and arm 182 will all be rotated to drive the toy trains 24c along a generally circular path around the track 186.

The toy boat ride 22d is constructed similarly to the toy train ride 22c except that, rather than a circular track there is provided an outer wall 206 having a configuration similar to that of the track 186, outerwall 188 and lip 190 except of narrower width within which there is contained a bearingdisc 208 configured, textured and colored to represent a water surface with a plurality of toy boats 26d being carried thereon for rotation during driven rotation of the driven pinion gear 74d.

Accordingly, in accordance with the present invention each of the objects and features set forth above have been uniquely accomplished. A simple, novel, ef-

ficientand sturdy gear mechanism is provided for operating, selectively, each of the toy rides. Each of the toy ridesare of sturdy construction and all moving mechanisms are well guarded to provide for safety of operation. Substantially all parts of the present toy may be economically molded of a plastics material for economy and safety and a moving figuretoy having a'very high level of interest value to infants and children particularly of the ages between three and seven years, although of interest to childrenof other ages, has been provided.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated andshown in terms of an embodiment or modification which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiment or modification herein described, disclosed, illustrated or shown such other embodiments or modifications as may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein be intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and breadth of the claims here appended.

What isclaimed is:

l. Movingfigure toy comprising, in combination, a I

generally enclosed base portion having an upper surface longitudinally extensive ineach of aplurality of directions; a plurality of rotatably movable structures carried by said base portion at differing spaced apart locations on said base portions upper surface; motor means contained within said base portion; a driving pinion gear means carried within said base portion in a first plane spaced apart and generally parallel said upper surface driven by said motor means; a plurality of driven pinion gear means carried within said base portion each positioned relative a respective one of said movable structures and operatively connected for imparting movement thereto, each of said driven pinion gear means being normally disposed in a plane generally beneath the plane of said driving pinion gear means so that said driving pinion gear means may rotate without meshing therewith; and means for selectively elevating each of said driven pinion gear means for meshing with said driving pinion means.

2. Toy defined in claim 1 presenting the appearance of a toy amusement park, each of said rotatably movable structures defining adifferingjmodel of a ride thereof, together with a plurality of figurines constructed, arranged and adapted for carriage by said rides.

3. Toy defined in claim 2 wherein one of said rotatably movable structures comprises a pylon extending upwardly of said upper surface, a shaft extending generally vertically-through said pylon having the lower end portion thereof rotatable by one of said gear means, a plurality of arms extending outwardly of the upper end portion of said shaft and a replica vehicle carried by the outboard end of each of said arms for generally circular movement around said pylon when said shaft is rotated.

4. Toy defined in claim 2 wherein one of said rotatably movable structures comprises a replica ferris wheel carried by a pair of supports extending generally upwardly of said base portion upper surface for rotation in a generally vertical plane generally perpendicular said upper surface, extension drive means extending downwardly of said ferris wheel to a position generally adjacentsaid upper surface, idler means carried by said upper surface connected with said extension drive 16 means for rotation therewith including a friction drive pinion driven by said driven pinion gear means upon elevation thereof into engagement with said driving pinion gear means.

5. Toy defined in claim 1 further comprising a noncircular axle extending upwardly of one of said driven pinion gear means and mating socket means carried by said upper surface for slidable engagement and rotation with said axle, said socket means being operatively connected with one of said rotatably movable structures so that elevation of said one driven pinion gear means into engagement with said driving pinion gear means produces rotational movement of said one of said rotatably movable structures without elevational movement thereof.

6. Toy defined in claim 5 wherein one of said rotatably movable structures comprises a toy railroad comprising, in turn, a track extending around said socket, at least one arm extending generally radially outwardly of said socket and a vehicle carried by the outboard end of said arm, said vehicle being guided for movement around said track by said arm..

7. Toy defined in claim 5 wherein one of said rotatably movable structures comprises a miniature ride comprising, in turn, at least one arm extending generally radially outwardly of said socket and a miniature passenger carrying body at the outboard end thereof so that rotation of said socket produces movement of said body thereabout in a generally circular path.

8. Toy defined in claim 5 wherein at least one of said rotatably movable structures comprises a generally circular disc extending generally radially of said socket together with a plurality of replica passenger carrying bodies carried by said disc for generally circular movement around said socket.

9. Toy defined in claim 8 wherein said disc is configured and colored to provide the appearance of a pool of water and said bodies are configured to define boats floating thereon.

10. Toy defined in claim 8 wherein said disc is configured to define the floor of a replica merry-go-round and said bodies define horses and the like carried thereby. I

11. Toy defined in claim 1 wherein said elevating means comprises a forked member having an elongated generally forwardly extending handle portion and a pair of generally parallel generally rearwardly extending tines slidably disposed beneath each of said driven pinion gear means with said'tines being disposed on opposite sides of the gear means axis, and upwardly inclined camming means fixedly mounted within said base portion generally beneath and rearward of said tines for lifting said tines upon rearward movement thereof to elevate the respective driven pinion gear means, said handle portion extending generally laterally outwardly of said base portion for manual movement inwardly and outwardly thereof.

12. Toy defined in claim 11 wherein each of said tines comprises a generally upwardly and rearwardly inclined lower surface having a slope similar to said camming means, and'wherein said toy further comprises an axle portion extending generally downwardly from each of said driven pinion gear means with each axle portion between said tines of a respective forked member slidably supported within a respective generally cylindrical bearing socket fixedly mounted with said base portion beneath said respective driven gear means for rotatably supporting said driven gear means, while enabling elevating movement thereof into and out of engagement with said driving pinion gear means.

13. Toy defined in claim 1 wherein said driving pinion gea-r means is disposed generally centrally of said base portion; said base portion is of generally equilateral configuration; each of said driven pinion gear means is disposed between said driving gear means and said base portion through said forward side thereof.

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