Small vehicle energized on handheld launcher

Abstract

A toy vehicle assembly that includes a toy vehicle coupled to a hand-held launcher. The launcher includes a manually rotated platform that is rotated by a user. Rotation of the platform causes a mechanism within the toy vehicle to store energy. The user can place the toy vehicle adjacent to a surface and release the vehicle from the launcher. The stored energy then propels the vehicle.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method for launching a toy vehicle, comprising:
 manipulating a hand-held launcher to rotate a toy vehicle so that the toy vehicle stores energy;   placing the toy vehicle adjacent to a surface; and,   releasing the toy vehicle from the hand-held launcher.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising generating a light source from the hand-held launcher. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising emitting a sound from the hand-held launcher. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the toy vehicle is rotated in a vertical position and released in a horizontal position.