Who knows? Possibly the only video of this kind...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa44NxhdnaA
...check out the spin-out!
Thanks treywylie!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Cheetah Patent text...
From US Patent Office (http://patft.uspto.gov)...
United States Patent 3,884,501
Elias , et al. May 20, 1975
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Foot-operated juvenile vehicle
Abstract
Disclosed is a vehicle driven by a pair of pivoted levers operated by foot pedals and swingable forwardly and rearwardly and each connected by a driving cable to a drum rotatably mounted on a wheel-carrying rear axle, each drum being in turn drivably connected by a gear type ratchet to a rear wheel and resiliently urged in a direction to cause the cable to rewind therearound and thereby retract the associated foot pedal, upon its release, to its rearwardmost position for subsequent driving action upon the rear wheel.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Elias; Jack J. (Minneapolis, MN), Tieri; Joseph C. (Minneapolis, MN)
Assignee: Leisure Dynamics, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN)
Appl. No.: 05/435,710
Filed: January 23, 1974
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current U.S. Class: 280/251 ; 280/243
Current International Class: B62M 1/00 (20060101); B62K 5/00 (20060101); B62K 5/04 (20060101); B62M 1/04 (20060101); B62m 001/04 ()
Field of Search: 280/251,243,246
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References Cited [Referenced By]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Patent Documents
1276587 August 1918 Spaulding
1313134 August 1919 Stocks
1397068 November 1921 Allen
2049345 July 1936 Young
Primary Examiner: Betts; Kenneth H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schroeder, Siegfried, Ryan & Vidas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claims
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is claimed is:
1. A foot-operated vehicle comprising:
a. a wheeled frame,
b. seat means carried by said frame,
c. a pair of rear wheels each rotatably mounted on said frame,
d. a pair of foot levers each pivotally mounted adjacent one of its ends upon said frame ahead of said seat means and constructed and arranged to be moved by the feet of a rider sitting upon said seat means from a rearward to a more forwardly extending position,
e. a pair of foot pedals each carried by the opposite end of one of said levers to facilitate such movement of said foot levers by such a rider,
f. a pair of rotary gear means each connected with one of said rear wheels in driving relation and mounted for rotation therewith upon said frame,
g. a pair of rotary drum means each associated with the gear means of one of said rear wheels and mounted for rotation upon said frame,
h. ratchet means extending in driving relation between each of said drum means and its associated rotary gear means,
i. cable means extending between each of said drum means and one of said foot levers and constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to its associated drum means between extended and retracted drum-encircling relation,
j. resilient means connected to each of said rotary drum means and constantly urging the same to rotate and draw its associated cable means to retracted drum-encircling relation and its associated foot lever to its rearwardmost position,
k. said ratchet means including a plurality of pawls pivotally mounted upon and within said drum means in position to engage said gear means and prevent rotation thereof in more than one direction, and
1. said pawls being of single-piece construction and including a spring arm extending outwardly therefrom and engaging against an interior surface of said drum means to hold said pawl in gear-engaging relation.
2. A foot-operated vehicle comprising:
a. a wheeled frame,
b. a rear axle fixedly mounted on said frame,
c. seat means carried by said frame,
d. a pair of rear wheels each rotatably mounted on said axle,
e. a pair of foot levers each pivotally mounted adjacent one of its ends upon said frame ahead of said seat means and constructed and arranged to be moved by the feet of a rider sitting upon said seat means from a rearward to a more forwardly extending position,
f. a pair of foot pedals each carried by the opposite end of one of said levers to facilitate such movement of said foot levers by such a rider,
g. a pair of rotary gear means each mounted upon one of said rear wheels in driving relation and for rotation therewith upon said axle,
h. a pair of rotary drum means each associated with the gear means of one of said rear wheels and mounted for rotation upon said axle,
i. ratchet means pivotally mounted upon each of said drum means and extending in driving relation between it and its associated rotary gear means,
j. cable means extending between each of said drum means and one of said foot levers and constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to its associated drum means between extended and retracted drum-encircling condition, and
j. resilient means connected to each of said rotary drum means and constantly urging the same to rotate and draw its associated cable means to retracted drum-encircling relation and its associated foot lever to its rearwardmost position.
3. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein each of said gear means is mounted within its associated drum means.
4. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein each of said gear means and its associated ratchet means is mounted within their associated drum means.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This invention relates to a foot-operated vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a vehicle designed to be operated by a juvenile through the use of his feet.
The general object of our invention is to provide a novel and improved juvenile vehicle of simple and relative inexpensive construction.
A more specific object is to provide a novel and improved juvenile vehicle of simple and relatively inexpensive construction which can be operated at safe and moderate speeds while creating an illusion of high speeds.
A further object is to provide a juvenile vehicle of the type designed to be operated by the feet of the rider and having simple, durable, and relatively inexpensive drive means which will move the vehicle at speeds which are moderate and safe and yet relatively high as compared to most foot-operated vehicles heretofore known.
Another object is to provide a foot-operated juvenile vehicle having novel, improved, and yet relatively inexpensive drive means associated therewith.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will more fully appear from the following description, made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of our invention;
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the same;
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken through one of the driving drums along line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken through one of the rear wheels and driving drum along line 4--4 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of one of the pawls utilized in the ratchet mechanism of the driving drum.
One embodiment of our invention as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is comprised of a frame F which includes an axle 6 which carries and is fixedly connected to an upstanding yoke member 7. Fixedly connected to the middle of the axle 6 and extending forwardly therefrom is a generally horizontally extending reach 8 which has an upwardly and forwardly extending front end portion 9. As best shown in FIG. 1, this upwardly extending front end portion of the reach 8 rotatably supports a forwardly disposed yoke 10 for rotation about the axis of the front end portion 9. The yoke 10 in turn rotatably supports the front wheel 11 and carries a pair of handle bars 12 and 13 by means of which the vehicle is steered.
Pivotally mounted upon the front end portion 9 of the reach 8 directly below the point at which the forward yoke 10 is mounted thereupon, is a pair of levers 14, 15, one on each side of the reach 8. A pivot shaft 16 which extends through the end portion 9 supports these two levers and each of them in turn supports one of a pair of foot pedals 17, 18 respectively. Fixedly secured to each of the foot levers 14, 15 at the pivot shaft 16 and pivoting therewith is one of a pair of keepers 19 and 20, the construction of which is best shown in FIG. 1. Each of these keepers is provided with a keeper slot, such as 20a, which cooperates with a keeper pin 21 which also extends through the forward end portion 9 and into the slot of the keepers at each side thereof so as to restrict the extent of rearward movement of its associated foot lever and pedal.
A seat member 22 is mounted upon the reach 8 directly ahead of the yoke 7 and rearwardly of the arc of movement of the foot levers 14, 15 and their foot pedals 17, 18 in such relation that a rider may sit upon the seat and by extending his legs may force the foot pedal and associated foot lever forwardly from the position shown in FIG. 1 of the rider's foot to the position shown in the same figure of the rider's right foot. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the foot levers are free to swing rearwardly to the position shown with the lever carrying the rider's left foot in FIG. 1 to a forward position as shown in FIG. 1 in association with the rider's right foot. The keeper pin 21 limits the extent of each of these movements.
Connected to each of the foot levers 14, 15 at their lower ends adjacent the associated foot pedals is one of a pair of flexible cables 23, 24. Each of these cables extends rearwardly from its associated foot lever and is connected at its rear end to one of a pair of drums 25, 26. Each of these drums is rotatably mounted upon the rear axle 6 and is drivably connected by a stub shaft, such as 27, to one of a pair of rear wheels 28, 29. The stub shaft can best be seen in FIG. 4. The stub shaft 27 is free to rotate relative to its associated drum, except for the existence of a ratchet mechanism to be hereinafter described.
Mounted upon the axle 6 in encircling relation thereto and in association with each drum is a spring, such as shown in FIG. 4, and identified by the numeral 30. This spring, as shown, is connected at one of its ends to its associated drum 25 or 26 and at its opposite end, to an associated housing 31 or 32, as the case may be. Each of the housings, such as housing 32, which is shown in FIG. 4, is secured to one leg of the yoke member 7 by a U-shaped keeper which is carried on the inner end of the housing and receives the lower end of one leg of the yoke therein so as to prevent rotation of the housing. The keeper has been identified with the numeral 33, in FIG. 4.
Each of the drums 25, 26 is drivably connected with its associated rear wheel by a ratchet mechanism which includes a gear member, such as 34, which is carried by the inner end of the stub shaft 27. Which, as previously indicated, is fixedly connected in driving relation to its associated wheel by means of its hexagonal shape which is received in a correspondingly shaped recess in its associated wheel. The ratchet mechanism also includes a pair of pawls 35, 36, each of which is pivotally mounted, as best shown in FIG. 3, on the inside surface of the inner end wall of its associated drum, each of which extends inwardly to engage the teeth of the gear member 34, as clearly shown in FIG. 3. Thus, when the drum which carries the pawls is rotated in one direction, these pawls 35 and 36 each engage the gear member 34, and rotatably drive its associated rear wheel to the extent to which the drum is forced to turn by movement of the cable associated therewith to an extended position. Upon release of the associated lever and cable, the drum is returned to its original position by its associated spring 30, and the associated cable is rewound around the exterior surface of the drum. The associated rear wheel, however, will continue to rotate with the pawls 35 sliding over the gear teeth of the gear 30 to create a high whining sound which gives an illusion of high speed to the rider.
It will be noted by reference to FIG. 3 that each of the cables is connected to its associated drum by means of a recess 37 formed in the wall thereof, and a slot 37a designed to accommodate the cable so that the enlarged end thereof may be trapped within the recess 37 to provide the necessary driving connection.
FIG. 5 shows the details of the pawls 35 and 36. Each of these pawls is of one-piece plastic construction and includes a driving tooth 38, and a relatively thin spring arm element 39 which, as shown in FIG. 3, bears against the inner surface of its associated drum and causes the tooth member 38 to be constantly urged against the teeth of the gear 34 to ensure a driving connection between the drum and its associated rear wheels. Each of the pawls is pivotally mounted on a post member 40 which is best shown in FIG. 3 and is carried by one of the end walls of the drum.
From the above, it will be readily seen that when the rider pushes one of the foot pedals and its associated lever forwardly, the associated cable is drawn forwardly to an extended position, thereby causing its associated drum to be rotated and to drive the rear wheel associated therewith forwardly at a relatively high speed. When the forwardmost extent of movement of the foot lever has been reached and the keeper pin 21 reaches the rearwardmost extent of the keeper slot 20a, the rider relieves the pressure against the foot pedal and permits the spring 30 to cause the associated drum to retract the cable and rewind it upon its exterior surface as shown in FIG. 4. As this is done, the rear wheel continues to rotate, thereby creating the illusion of great speed which most juveniles enjoy. Meanwhile, the other foot pedal can be forced forwardly to drive the vehicle at a still higher speed as a result of extension of the opposite cable and driving of the opposite rear wheel to even higher speeds. As a consequence, even though the vehicle is not powered by an electric or combustion motor, relatively high, moderate speeds can be obtained by the rider which are, nevertheless, safe and which, upon coasting, create an illusion of high speed which is very satisfying to the rider.
It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of the invention which consists of the matter shown and described herein and set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *
United States Patent 3,884,501
Elias , et al. May 20, 1975
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foot-operated juvenile vehicle
Abstract
Disclosed is a vehicle driven by a pair of pivoted levers operated by foot pedals and swingable forwardly and rearwardly and each connected by a driving cable to a drum rotatably mounted on a wheel-carrying rear axle, each drum being in turn drivably connected by a gear type ratchet to a rear wheel and resiliently urged in a direction to cause the cable to rewind therearound and thereby retract the associated foot pedal, upon its release, to its rearwardmost position for subsequent driving action upon the rear wheel.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Elias; Jack J. (Minneapolis, MN), Tieri; Joseph C. (Minneapolis, MN)
Assignee: Leisure Dynamics, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN)
Appl. No.: 05/435,710
Filed: January 23, 1974
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current U.S. Class: 280/251 ; 280/243
Current International Class: B62M 1/00 (20060101); B62K 5/00 (20060101); B62K 5/04 (20060101); B62M 1/04 (20060101); B62m 001/04 ()
Field of Search: 280/251,243,246
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References Cited [Referenced By]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Patent Documents
1276587 August 1918 Spaulding
1313134 August 1919 Stocks
1397068 November 1921 Allen
2049345 July 1936 Young
Primary Examiner: Betts; Kenneth H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schroeder, Siegfried, Ryan & Vidas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claims
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is claimed is:
1. A foot-operated vehicle comprising:
a. a wheeled frame,
b. seat means carried by said frame,
c. a pair of rear wheels each rotatably mounted on said frame,
d. a pair of foot levers each pivotally mounted adjacent one of its ends upon said frame ahead of said seat means and constructed and arranged to be moved by the feet of a rider sitting upon said seat means from a rearward to a more forwardly extending position,
e. a pair of foot pedals each carried by the opposite end of one of said levers to facilitate such movement of said foot levers by such a rider,
f. a pair of rotary gear means each connected with one of said rear wheels in driving relation and mounted for rotation therewith upon said frame,
g. a pair of rotary drum means each associated with the gear means of one of said rear wheels and mounted for rotation upon said frame,
h. ratchet means extending in driving relation between each of said drum means and its associated rotary gear means,
i. cable means extending between each of said drum means and one of said foot levers and constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to its associated drum means between extended and retracted drum-encircling relation,
j. resilient means connected to each of said rotary drum means and constantly urging the same to rotate and draw its associated cable means to retracted drum-encircling relation and its associated foot lever to its rearwardmost position,
k. said ratchet means including a plurality of pawls pivotally mounted upon and within said drum means in position to engage said gear means and prevent rotation thereof in more than one direction, and
1. said pawls being of single-piece construction and including a spring arm extending outwardly therefrom and engaging against an interior surface of said drum means to hold said pawl in gear-engaging relation.
2. A foot-operated vehicle comprising:
a. a wheeled frame,
b. a rear axle fixedly mounted on said frame,
c. seat means carried by said frame,
d. a pair of rear wheels each rotatably mounted on said axle,
e. a pair of foot levers each pivotally mounted adjacent one of its ends upon said frame ahead of said seat means and constructed and arranged to be moved by the feet of a rider sitting upon said seat means from a rearward to a more forwardly extending position,
f. a pair of foot pedals each carried by the opposite end of one of said levers to facilitate such movement of said foot levers by such a rider,
g. a pair of rotary gear means each mounted upon one of said rear wheels in driving relation and for rotation therewith upon said axle,
h. a pair of rotary drum means each associated with the gear means of one of said rear wheels and mounted for rotation upon said axle,
i. ratchet means pivotally mounted upon each of said drum means and extending in driving relation between it and its associated rotary gear means,
j. cable means extending between each of said drum means and one of said foot levers and constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to its associated drum means between extended and retracted drum-encircling condition, and
j. resilient means connected to each of said rotary drum means and constantly urging the same to rotate and draw its associated cable means to retracted drum-encircling relation and its associated foot lever to its rearwardmost position.
3. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein each of said gear means is mounted within its associated drum means.
4. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein each of said gear means and its associated ratchet means is mounted within their associated drum means.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This invention relates to a foot-operated vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a vehicle designed to be operated by a juvenile through the use of his feet.
The general object of our invention is to provide a novel and improved juvenile vehicle of simple and relative inexpensive construction.
A more specific object is to provide a novel and improved juvenile vehicle of simple and relatively inexpensive construction which can be operated at safe and moderate speeds while creating an illusion of high speeds.
A further object is to provide a juvenile vehicle of the type designed to be operated by the feet of the rider and having simple, durable, and relatively inexpensive drive means which will move the vehicle at speeds which are moderate and safe and yet relatively high as compared to most foot-operated vehicles heretofore known.
Another object is to provide a foot-operated juvenile vehicle having novel, improved, and yet relatively inexpensive drive means associated therewith.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will more fully appear from the following description, made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of our invention;
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the same;
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken through one of the driving drums along line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken through one of the rear wheels and driving drum along line 4--4 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of one of the pawls utilized in the ratchet mechanism of the driving drum.
One embodiment of our invention as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is comprised of a frame F which includes an axle 6 which carries and is fixedly connected to an upstanding yoke member 7. Fixedly connected to the middle of the axle 6 and extending forwardly therefrom is a generally horizontally extending reach 8 which has an upwardly and forwardly extending front end portion 9. As best shown in FIG. 1, this upwardly extending front end portion of the reach 8 rotatably supports a forwardly disposed yoke 10 for rotation about the axis of the front end portion 9. The yoke 10 in turn rotatably supports the front wheel 11 and carries a pair of handle bars 12 and 13 by means of which the vehicle is steered.
Pivotally mounted upon the front end portion 9 of the reach 8 directly below the point at which the forward yoke 10 is mounted thereupon, is a pair of levers 14, 15, one on each side of the reach 8. A pivot shaft 16 which extends through the end portion 9 supports these two levers and each of them in turn supports one of a pair of foot pedals 17, 18 respectively. Fixedly secured to each of the foot levers 14, 15 at the pivot shaft 16 and pivoting therewith is one of a pair of keepers 19 and 20, the construction of which is best shown in FIG. 1. Each of these keepers is provided with a keeper slot, such as 20a, which cooperates with a keeper pin 21 which also extends through the forward end portion 9 and into the slot of the keepers at each side thereof so as to restrict the extent of rearward movement of its associated foot lever and pedal.
A seat member 22 is mounted upon the reach 8 directly ahead of the yoke 7 and rearwardly of the arc of movement of the foot levers 14, 15 and their foot pedals 17, 18 in such relation that a rider may sit upon the seat and by extending his legs may force the foot pedal and associated foot lever forwardly from the position shown in FIG. 1 of the rider's foot to the position shown in the same figure of the rider's right foot. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the foot levers are free to swing rearwardly to the position shown with the lever carrying the rider's left foot in FIG. 1 to a forward position as shown in FIG. 1 in association with the rider's right foot. The keeper pin 21 limits the extent of each of these movements.
Connected to each of the foot levers 14, 15 at their lower ends adjacent the associated foot pedals is one of a pair of flexible cables 23, 24. Each of these cables extends rearwardly from its associated foot lever and is connected at its rear end to one of a pair of drums 25, 26. Each of these drums is rotatably mounted upon the rear axle 6 and is drivably connected by a stub shaft, such as 27, to one of a pair of rear wheels 28, 29. The stub shaft can best be seen in FIG. 4. The stub shaft 27 is free to rotate relative to its associated drum, except for the existence of a ratchet mechanism to be hereinafter described.
Mounted upon the axle 6 in encircling relation thereto and in association with each drum is a spring, such as shown in FIG. 4, and identified by the numeral 30. This spring, as shown, is connected at one of its ends to its associated drum 25 or 26 and at its opposite end, to an associated housing 31 or 32, as the case may be. Each of the housings, such as housing 32, which is shown in FIG. 4, is secured to one leg of the yoke member 7 by a U-shaped keeper which is carried on the inner end of the housing and receives the lower end of one leg of the yoke therein so as to prevent rotation of the housing. The keeper has been identified with the numeral 33, in FIG. 4.
Each of the drums 25, 26 is drivably connected with its associated rear wheel by a ratchet mechanism which includes a gear member, such as 34, which is carried by the inner end of the stub shaft 27. Which, as previously indicated, is fixedly connected in driving relation to its associated wheel by means of its hexagonal shape which is received in a correspondingly shaped recess in its associated wheel. The ratchet mechanism also includes a pair of pawls 35, 36, each of which is pivotally mounted, as best shown in FIG. 3, on the inside surface of the inner end wall of its associated drum, each of which extends inwardly to engage the teeth of the gear member 34, as clearly shown in FIG. 3. Thus, when the drum which carries the pawls is rotated in one direction, these pawls 35 and 36 each engage the gear member 34, and rotatably drive its associated rear wheel to the extent to which the drum is forced to turn by movement of the cable associated therewith to an extended position. Upon release of the associated lever and cable, the drum is returned to its original position by its associated spring 30, and the associated cable is rewound around the exterior surface of the drum. The associated rear wheel, however, will continue to rotate with the pawls 35 sliding over the gear teeth of the gear 30 to create a high whining sound which gives an illusion of high speed to the rider.
It will be noted by reference to FIG. 3 that each of the cables is connected to its associated drum by means of a recess 37 formed in the wall thereof, and a slot 37a designed to accommodate the cable so that the enlarged end thereof may be trapped within the recess 37 to provide the necessary driving connection.
FIG. 5 shows the details of the pawls 35 and 36. Each of these pawls is of one-piece plastic construction and includes a driving tooth 38, and a relatively thin spring arm element 39 which, as shown in FIG. 3, bears against the inner surface of its associated drum and causes the tooth member 38 to be constantly urged against the teeth of the gear 34 to ensure a driving connection between the drum and its associated rear wheels. Each of the pawls is pivotally mounted on a post member 40 which is best shown in FIG. 3 and is carried by one of the end walls of the drum.
From the above, it will be readily seen that when the rider pushes one of the foot pedals and its associated lever forwardly, the associated cable is drawn forwardly to an extended position, thereby causing its associated drum to be rotated and to drive the rear wheel associated therewith forwardly at a relatively high speed. When the forwardmost extent of movement of the foot lever has been reached and the keeper pin 21 reaches the rearwardmost extent of the keeper slot 20a, the rider relieves the pressure against the foot pedal and permits the spring 30 to cause the associated drum to retract the cable and rewind it upon its exterior surface as shown in FIG. 4. As this is done, the rear wheel continues to rotate, thereby creating the illusion of great speed which most juveniles enjoy. Meanwhile, the other foot pedal can be forced forwardly to drive the vehicle at a still higher speed as a result of extension of the opposite cable and driving of the opposite rear wheel to even higher speeds. As a consequence, even though the vehicle is not powered by an electric or combustion motor, relatively high, moderate speeds can be obtained by the rider which are, nevertheless, safe and which, upon coasting, create an illusion of high speed which is very satisfying to the rider.
It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of the invention which consists of the matter shown and described herein and set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Gumby, The Cheetah, and Lakeside Toys!
Check out the article on Gumby and Lakeside Toys...
http://greatdivide.typepad.com/across_the_great_divide/2010/01/the-other-man-behind-gumby.html
http://greatdivide.typepad.com/across_the_great_divide/2010/01/the-other-man-behind-gumby.html
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Remaking/Reproducing the Cheetah?
Various folks have posted about trying to reproduce the Cheetah. I, for one, would love to try, but it will be a few years(!) before I will probably have the time. Have any of y'all made an attempt at remaking/reproducing the Cheetah?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Childhood Memories...
Thanks to all of y'all who have posted some of your childhood memories of the Cheetah. It is amazing how similar our experiences were with this awesome toy!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Marcella finds the Cheetah patent - with graphics!!!
Marcella found the Cheetah patent!
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Marcella said...
Did y'all find the patent yet? I believe this is it.
3,884,501 - "Foot Operated Junior Vehicle"
Go to this link and do a search on the patent number.
http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm
-Marcella
(marcmarc2 at yahoo dot com)
November 25, 2008 7:23 PM
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Marcella said...
Did y'all find the patent yet? I believe this is it.
3,884,501 - "Foot Operated Junior Vehicle"
Go to this link and do a search on the patent number.
http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm
-Marcella
(marcmarc2 at yahoo dot com)
November 25, 2008 7:23 PM
------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 15, 2008
Blessed with a still working Cheetah!
So, I just found your blog about the Cheetah. I still have mine and my 6 yr old absolutely loves it. The seat is beginning to crack but the pedals work great. It’s nice to know there are others who enjoyed it as much as I did. Too bad there’s not a big toy company that will bring them back. Probably some safety issue like the pedals could pinch fingers---back in our day, that was not a big deal. ~Libby
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Cheetah patents?
For those of y'all blessed to have one, please post any patent numbers that you can find on your Cheetah! I am guessing that at least the chain drive was patented. Those wanting to attempt building a remake could use the patent information as a guide.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Cheetah photographs!
I've added 4 great photographs sent by johnnymonstrous. Thanks johnnymonstrous and other folks who have sent in photographs!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thanks and a prototype...
Much thanks to the folks who sent photographs for the site (posted on the right)!
Keith Underdahl reports that his grandma worked at Lakeside in Minneapolis. His Cheetah was apparently a prototype!
Keith Underdahl reports that his grandma worked at Lakeside in Minneapolis. His Cheetah was apparently a prototype!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Best Toy...
Shaun said...
This was the best toy I can remember having. even better than the Green Machine.
I had one of these when I was about 5. (32 years ago) I still remember it as the best toy I've ever had.
January 23, 2008
This was the best toy I can remember having. even better than the Green Machine.
I had one of these when I was about 5. (32 years ago) I still remember it as the best toy I've ever had.
January 23, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Cheetah plans and close-up photographs
Some time ago I received an email indicating an individual had a set of schematic/shop plans for the Cheetah. If you have a set of these as well as any close-up photographs, please email me (tsgrue@gmail.com) and I'll post them.
Several folks have expressed interest in trying to build something like the Cheetah for their kids, so resources like schematic/shop plans and close-up photographs would be an excellent resource. The ratcheting pump chain drive in particular seemed fairly uncommon and information on that would be helpful.
Also - remember to include your email address on posts if you want correspondence from folks looking at this W3log.
Thanks!
Several folks have expressed interest in trying to build something like the Cheetah for their kids, so resources like schematic/shop plans and close-up photographs would be an excellent resource. The ratcheting pump chain drive in particular seemed fairly uncommon and information on that would be helpful.
Also - remember to include your email address on posts if you want correspondence from folks looking at this W3log.
Thanks!
Pictures...
Eric Carlson said (January 8, 2008 7:42 AM)...
Well all if anyone still needs pictures give me your email and I will get out a few for you. I still have mine. Stays in the garage now with a wheel that needs to be fixed. If you can believe it, its the front wheel in where the rubber has gotten old, not the back ones. Other then that she is still in good shape and still works.
My father worked for Lakeside till they where bought in the mid 80s. I can't remember who bought them, but they were the Lakeside Toys on 78th Street in Bloomington, MN. The building is long gone turned into a Hotel.
Well all if anyone still needs pictures give me your email and I will get out a few for you. I still have mine. Stays in the garage now with a wheel that needs to be fixed. If you can believe it, its the front wheel in where the rubber has gotten old, not the back ones. Other then that she is still in good shape and still works.
My father worked for Lakeside till they where bought in the mid 80s. I can't remember who bought them, but they were the Lakeside Toys on 78th Street in Bloomington, MN. The building is long gone turned into a Hotel.
Monday, December 17, 2007
A Division of Lakeside Industries...
...was Lakeside Toys.
Could it be this company?
Lakeside Toys
4400 West 78 Street
Minneapolis MN
Could it be this company?
Lakeside Toys
4400 West 78 Street
Minneapolis MN
Lakeside Toys of The Cheetah fame?
Is this the company that made The Cheetah?
Lakeside Toys
9005 NW 10th Street
Oklahoma City OK 73127
405/787-0186
Lakeside Toys
9005 NW 10th Street
Oklahoma City OK 73127
405/787-0186
Lots of comments on The Cheetah at The Daily Ping...
http://www.dailyping.com/index.php?url=archive/2005/04/20/
FROM: thomas
DATE: Saturday September 24, 2005 -- 1:59:48 pm
I'm searching for information on the Cheetah, a kids riding toy. It looked like a "chopper" tricycle. It had a small tire in the front and two wide tires in the back. From memory, it seems to have been some sort of ratchet pumped chain drive that selectively locked in when both pedals were pushed. The seat was low to the ground, like the Big Wheel. The Cheetah was manufactured in the early 1970s and I think it was yellow or red. I am trying to find information whatever information I can; photograph, manufacturer, dimensions, parts, etc. Any help is much appreciated!
FROM: Young
DATE: Monday November 21, 2005 -- 6:30:20 pm
I had a Cheetah and it rocked. All the other kids had big wheels some the standard yellow body and I think there were a few girl models on my block too. The Cheetah dusted them all, by FAR. It was both Yellow and Red, and I too have checked the web for pics because I'd love to get my hands on one (although I'm probably too big for one now) ;).
PS, I've searched my photo album and no pics of it unfortunately.
If you do find something, please contact me at yleedezign@hotmail.com
Thanks and good luck!
From: Bill
Date: 10.27.2006 16:35
I have a front view of 2 Cheetahs with my 3 and 5 year-old boys made in 1974
From: keith
Date: 10.31.2006 00:33
The Cheetah was made by Lakeside Toys of Barrel-of-Monkies fame. My grandmother worked for Lakeside in the early 1970s and as a result I ended up being one of the product test dummies for the Cheetah. I have a photograph of me riding it in 1973, so I assume that's when the Cheetah was first produced. Mine was a prototype and as I recall my Dad had to frequently repair the ratcheting mechanisms which were the Cheetah's propulsion mechanism.
Compared to the Big Wheel, Green Machine, and other contemporary riding toys the Cheetah was surely more expensive to manufacture and more susceptible to break-down. But when it worked, man did it work :-)
From: John Atwood
Date: 10.31.2006 18:46
My two boys had Cheetahs in 1974 when they were 3 and 5 yrs old. Boy would they fly! I have a picture (front view) of them on their Cheetahs. We only had minor mechanical problems and finally gave them to neiaghbor's children as mine grew older. Is Lakeside defunct? Someone could make a mint with the reintro of this toy.
From: Cella
Date: 02.12.2007 23:42
I can't believe I finally found other people who remember the Cheetah. My sister and I shared a red one and wore it into the ground. I seem to recall that the seat disintegrated before the mechanics did, and we still managed to ride it. We had a very long driveway, so we were able to get up some good speed and great skids. For as hard as we rode it, I don't recall either of us ever getting hurt playing on it. It was definitely the early-to-mid 70's. Good times. I would love to find a picture of it online somewhere, especially an ad.
From: Alesandro
Date: 02.20.2007 22:53
I recently found some old pictures of myself riding my beloved Cheetah and tried to find more information online, and came across this site.
I got mine for Christmas 1973 and have 3 pictures (2 front view, 1 side view). The seat is red with a yellow racing stripe, and cheetah decals on the side. It has yellow plastic mag wheels on the rear, and a chrome sissy bar on the back. The front chopper had a spoked narrow rubber wheel and the "tree" (I think that's what you call it) is yellow with a decal that says " ELDON" in red over a checkered flag. The "O" is raised higher than the rest of the lettering.
I used to take great pride blowing away the other kids on their inferior "big wheels." I had mine for a few years; however, don't remember what ultimately happened to mine, but I recall the petal drive cables broke at some point. I'm sure my father eventually threw it out.
From: Young
Date: 04.27.2007 02:16
BILL, Keith and Alesandro,
Please, if you can, put the pictures on flickr or online service where you can share pictures, PLEASE?
It would be awesome to see them. OR, please shoot me an email @ yleedezign@hotmail.com.
Thanks and best!
From: Joe
Date: 05.02.2007 10:21
I am sooo glad I found info on the Cheetah here!!! For a variety of reasons (all noble), I am trying to find information on its cable-driven propulsion that I so enjoyed when I was a kid. Is there a way I can get copies of those pictures? Even better, anyone know what happeneed to Lakeside toys? I would love to get my hands on a schematic. I haven't started to search that, so maybe someone here can help me cut to the chase. It would be even better if I could get my hands on a Cheetah. I remember fondly outracing my big-wheeled playmates in the neighborhood. I eventually outgrew it (I was too tall to fit in the bright orange banana seat anymore), and we had to monitor the trashmen so that none of the kids in the neighborhood stole it - cause that would make the others jealous IIRC. I remember having to re-wrap those cables on occasion, but that thing beat the Big Wheel and Green Machine hands down!!!
Any help, guys? Thanks(especially copies of those pictures!!)
- Joe Lobarwilder@AOL.com
Lewisville, TX
From: Mike Berry
Date: 07.25.2007 16:55
My email is michaelberry67@yahoo.com. Please send me scans (or a picture of a picture) of any Cheetahs. They most be all gone. we rode the heck out of them. so many riding toys you can find of other eras... not ours!!
sigh
Mike
From: Renee
Date: 07.30.2007 11:36
I loved my Cheetah too! I also am looking for pictures of one -- actually, my mother has been looking for pictures. I don't seem to have any from my childhood, which we can't figure out at all. We can't imagine that pictures wouldn't have been taken of my favorite toy! If any of you who have posted that you have pictures are still following this post, could you please, please, please email your pictures of the Cheetah to me?
reneevanv@bellsouth.net
From: rand
Date: 08.14.2007 16:45
My younger brother had a Cheetah and it was the fastest ride ever. I could smoke kids on Big Wheels and every other type of pedal vehicle, even beat kids on bikes. I wore that baby out. Busted the cables. Loved it though. My younger brother wasn't much into riding it or bikes so Mom and Dad got it for him one Christmas. Since he didn't ride it, it was like I had my bike and the secret weapon Cheetah. Never has a more apt name been affixed to a product. I would love to have one for my five year old.
From: Dawson
Date: 09.05.2007 23:22
I had a Cheetah growing up in the 70's as well. I can confirm that this was the fastest thing on the block at that age because my friends on their bikes were unstable and were always shocked at getting beat by my "tricycle". Forget racing the Big Wheel. It was no contest for my Cheetah. I am also looking for pictures of this unit or even if there is a manufacturer who is still or willing to make it again. It would be great for my daughter.
From: Jerry
Date: 09.08.2007 14:08
Hi all:
Just to let eveyone know, I do have a vintage Eldon Cheetah available. It is pretty good shape and is still totally rideable. It is one cool item. Any interest in it?
From: CobraT1
Date: 09.18.2007 00:03
Hi Jerry,
I'm interested. Do you have any photos?
From: alfred
Date: 09.26.2007 14:49
Crazy, I had a Cheetah as a kid too. I've never come across anyone else who had actually heard of one. Man, do I miss that ride.
From: mike
Date: 10.14.2007 19:37
Any links to cheetah pics (or the tv ad) would be greatly appreciated.
From: Joe
Date: 10.26.2007 14:48
Jerry very interested about the vintage Cheetah you have
Have you sold it yet? I would like to purchase still available. Please let me know @ jj_white12@hotmail.com
Thanks
From: MonkeyDudeSF
Date: 10.30.2007 03:47
here's a
pic of my cheetah from the 70s. Enjoy!
I remember it pretty much the same way everyone else does. The best damn thing on 3 wheels I ever knew. :)
From: Shawn
Date: 11.30.2007 00:18
I had a Cheetah in the 70's. I remember seeing the comercials of the kid slamming the pedals and spinning a 720 to a stop. It's all I could think about for months, I Had to have one! So I begged my mom for Christmas and asked Santa (he was a little confused about my Cheetah request). That Christmas I didn't get it, I was expecting it to be under the tree, but no Cheetah. I was bumed, and mopped around for a few days. But my birthday was a few days away so I had a second chance. I discovered it on my birthday when I went downstairs and found my older brother screwing it together. I remember it clearly because I flipped-out and started screeming, and I guess he was startled because he slipped the screwdriver into his index finger! He started screeming too. That Cheetah was the best thing ever! Like everyone remembers, it was fast! I had no trouble keeping up with my brothers Stingray, and could go miles on the thing. It could be considered the first recumbent bycycle. I actualy burned-out the drive mechanism on it within a couple weeks, so my mom to it back and argued with the store manager to give us a new one (in those days taking stuff back for exchange or a refund wasn't easy). I got the second one, which was great because the hard plastic wheels were new (I had smoked the wheels on the first one from so many spins, they had flat spots). About that time they paved a new culdesac next to our home. It was kind of a clover shape cudesac with a slight slope to it. My cheetah would screem on that new pavement, I'm sure I got up to 25mph on the thing! I went so fast with the pedals that the return spring in the wheel hub broke. My dad was able to fix it, but it was never the same. If I went anywhere near fast, the drive cables would slip off the spring hub, and he would have to fix it again. I still rode it around and all the kids thought it was the coolest. Eventually, my mom backed over the front forks and wheel with the car. My brother straightened out the forks, but the wheel was bent like a potato chip! I still rode it even then, but it looked more like a clown vehicle at this point. Anyway, I've been looking on the net for any trace of the Cheetah, and came across this site. I would like to find a picture too, or even better, a working Cheetah. I don't know why they don't bring this back.
FROM: thomas
DATE: Saturday September 24, 2005 -- 1:59:48 pm
I'm searching for information on the Cheetah, a kids riding toy. It looked like a "chopper" tricycle. It had a small tire in the front and two wide tires in the back. From memory, it seems to have been some sort of ratchet pumped chain drive that selectively locked in when both pedals were pushed. The seat was low to the ground, like the Big Wheel. The Cheetah was manufactured in the early 1970s and I think it was yellow or red. I am trying to find information whatever information I can; photograph, manufacturer, dimensions, parts, etc. Any help is much appreciated!
FROM: Young
DATE: Monday November 21, 2005 -- 6:30:20 pm
I had a Cheetah and it rocked. All the other kids had big wheels some the standard yellow body and I think there were a few girl models on my block too. The Cheetah dusted them all, by FAR. It was both Yellow and Red, and I too have checked the web for pics because I'd love to get my hands on one (although I'm probably too big for one now) ;).
PS, I've searched my photo album and no pics of it unfortunately.
If you do find something, please contact me at yleedezign@hotmail.com
Thanks and good luck!
From: Bill
Date: 10.27.2006 16:35
I have a front view of 2 Cheetahs with my 3 and 5 year-old boys made in 1974
From: keith
Date: 10.31.2006 00:33
The Cheetah was made by Lakeside Toys of Barrel-of-Monkies fame. My grandmother worked for Lakeside in the early 1970s and as a result I ended up being one of the product test dummies for the Cheetah. I have a photograph of me riding it in 1973, so I assume that's when the Cheetah was first produced. Mine was a prototype and as I recall my Dad had to frequently repair the ratcheting mechanisms which were the Cheetah's propulsion mechanism.
Compared to the Big Wheel, Green Machine, and other contemporary riding toys the Cheetah was surely more expensive to manufacture and more susceptible to break-down. But when it worked, man did it work :-)
From: John Atwood
Date: 10.31.2006 18:46
My two boys had Cheetahs in 1974 when they were 3 and 5 yrs old. Boy would they fly! I have a picture (front view) of them on their Cheetahs. We only had minor mechanical problems and finally gave them to neiaghbor's children as mine grew older. Is Lakeside defunct? Someone could make a mint with the reintro of this toy.
From: Cella
Date: 02.12.2007 23:42
I can't believe I finally found other people who remember the Cheetah. My sister and I shared a red one and wore it into the ground. I seem to recall that the seat disintegrated before the mechanics did, and we still managed to ride it. We had a very long driveway, so we were able to get up some good speed and great skids. For as hard as we rode it, I don't recall either of us ever getting hurt playing on it. It was definitely the early-to-mid 70's. Good times. I would love to find a picture of it online somewhere, especially an ad.
From: Alesandro
Date: 02.20.2007 22:53
I recently found some old pictures of myself riding my beloved Cheetah and tried to find more information online, and came across this site.
I got mine for Christmas 1973 and have 3 pictures (2 front view, 1 side view). The seat is red with a yellow racing stripe, and cheetah decals on the side. It has yellow plastic mag wheels on the rear, and a chrome sissy bar on the back. The front chopper had a spoked narrow rubber wheel and the "tree" (I think that's what you call it) is yellow with a decal that says " ELDON" in red over a checkered flag. The "O" is raised higher than the rest of the lettering.
I used to take great pride blowing away the other kids on their inferior "big wheels." I had mine for a few years; however, don't remember what ultimately happened to mine, but I recall the petal drive cables broke at some point. I'm sure my father eventually threw it out.
From: Young
Date: 04.27.2007 02:16
BILL, Keith and Alesandro,
Please, if you can, put the pictures on flickr or online service where you can share pictures, PLEASE?
It would be awesome to see them. OR, please shoot me an email @ yleedezign@hotmail.com.
Thanks and best!
From: Joe
Date: 05.02.2007 10:21
I am sooo glad I found info on the Cheetah here!!! For a variety of reasons (all noble), I am trying to find information on its cable-driven propulsion that I so enjoyed when I was a kid. Is there a way I can get copies of those pictures? Even better, anyone know what happeneed to Lakeside toys? I would love to get my hands on a schematic. I haven't started to search that, so maybe someone here can help me cut to the chase. It would be even better if I could get my hands on a Cheetah. I remember fondly outracing my big-wheeled playmates in the neighborhood. I eventually outgrew it (I was too tall to fit in the bright orange banana seat anymore), and we had to monitor the trashmen so that none of the kids in the neighborhood stole it - cause that would make the others jealous IIRC. I remember having to re-wrap those cables on occasion, but that thing beat the Big Wheel and Green Machine hands down!!!
Any help, guys? Thanks(especially copies of those pictures!!)
- Joe Lobarwilder@AOL.com
Lewisville, TX
From: Mike Berry
Date: 07.25.2007 16:55
My email is michaelberry67@yahoo.com. Please send me scans (or a picture of a picture) of any Cheetahs. They most be all gone. we rode the heck out of them. so many riding toys you can find of other eras... not ours!!
sigh
Mike
From: Renee
Date: 07.30.2007 11:36
I loved my Cheetah too! I also am looking for pictures of one -- actually, my mother has been looking for pictures. I don't seem to have any from my childhood, which we can't figure out at all. We can't imagine that pictures wouldn't have been taken of my favorite toy! If any of you who have posted that you have pictures are still following this post, could you please, please, please email your pictures of the Cheetah to me?
reneevanv@bellsouth.net
From: rand
Date: 08.14.2007 16:45
My younger brother had a Cheetah and it was the fastest ride ever. I could smoke kids on Big Wheels and every other type of pedal vehicle, even beat kids on bikes. I wore that baby out. Busted the cables. Loved it though. My younger brother wasn't much into riding it or bikes so Mom and Dad got it for him one Christmas. Since he didn't ride it, it was like I had my bike and the secret weapon Cheetah. Never has a more apt name been affixed to a product. I would love to have one for my five year old.
From: Dawson
Date: 09.05.2007 23:22
I had a Cheetah growing up in the 70's as well. I can confirm that this was the fastest thing on the block at that age because my friends on their bikes were unstable and were always shocked at getting beat by my "tricycle". Forget racing the Big Wheel. It was no contest for my Cheetah. I am also looking for pictures of this unit or even if there is a manufacturer who is still or willing to make it again. It would be great for my daughter.
From: Jerry
Date: 09.08.2007 14:08
Hi all:
Just to let eveyone know, I do have a vintage Eldon Cheetah available. It is pretty good shape and is still totally rideable. It is one cool item. Any interest in it?
From: CobraT1
Date: 09.18.2007 00:03
Hi Jerry,
I'm interested. Do you have any photos?
From: alfred
Date: 09.26.2007 14:49
Crazy, I had a Cheetah as a kid too. I've never come across anyone else who had actually heard of one. Man, do I miss that ride.
From: mike
Date: 10.14.2007 19:37
Any links to cheetah pics (or the tv ad) would be greatly appreciated.
From: Joe
Date: 10.26.2007 14:48
Jerry very interested about the vintage Cheetah you have
Have you sold it yet? I would like to purchase still available. Please let me know @ jj_white12@hotmail.com
Thanks
From: MonkeyDudeSF
Date: 10.30.2007 03:47
here's a
pic of my cheetah from the 70s. Enjoy!
I remember it pretty much the same way everyone else does. The best damn thing on 3 wheels I ever knew. :)
From: Shawn
Date: 11.30.2007 00:18
I had a Cheetah in the 70's. I remember seeing the comercials of the kid slamming the pedals and spinning a 720 to a stop. It's all I could think about for months, I Had to have one! So I begged my mom for Christmas and asked Santa (he was a little confused about my Cheetah request). That Christmas I didn't get it, I was expecting it to be under the tree, but no Cheetah. I was bumed, and mopped around for a few days. But my birthday was a few days away so I had a second chance. I discovered it on my birthday when I went downstairs and found my older brother screwing it together. I remember it clearly because I flipped-out and started screeming, and I guess he was startled because he slipped the screwdriver into his index finger! He started screeming too. That Cheetah was the best thing ever! Like everyone remembers, it was fast! I had no trouble keeping up with my brothers Stingray, and could go miles on the thing. It could be considered the first recumbent bycycle. I actualy burned-out the drive mechanism on it within a couple weeks, so my mom to it back and argued with the store manager to give us a new one (in those days taking stuff back for exchange or a refund wasn't easy). I got the second one, which was great because the hard plastic wheels were new (I had smoked the wheels on the first one from so many spins, they had flat spots). About that time they paved a new culdesac next to our home. It was kind of a clover shape cudesac with a slight slope to it. My cheetah would screem on that new pavement, I'm sure I got up to 25mph on the thing! I went so fast with the pedals that the return spring in the wheel hub broke. My dad was able to fix it, but it was never the same. If I went anywhere near fast, the drive cables would slip off the spring hub, and he would have to fix it again. I still rode it around and all the kids thought it was the coolest. Eventually, my mom backed over the front forks and wheel with the car. My brother straightened out the forks, but the wheel was bent like a potato chip! I still rode it even then, but it looked more like a clown vehicle at this point. Anyway, I've been looking on the net for any trace of the Cheetah, and came across this site. I would like to find a picture too, or even better, a working Cheetah. I don't know why they don't bring this back.
Dr Toy - The Cheetah
http://www.drtoy.org/ask_drtoy/ask_drtoy_p_to_r.html
RIDING TOY - CHEETAH - 1970's
I was wondering if you can tell me anything about a 1970's toy called a "Cheetah" (i.e. who made it, where can I find one, etc.). This toy was a red three wheel pedal trike. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Tom
RIDING TOY - CHEETAH - 1970's
I was wondering if you can tell me anything about a 1970's toy called a "Cheetah" (i.e. who made it, where can I find one, etc.). This toy was a red three wheel pedal trike. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Tom
Another Cheetah riding toy from Dr Toy
http://www.drtoy.org/ask_drtoy/ask_drtoy_2006_04.html
RIDE ON - TYPE OF BIG WHEEL
pictures of ride on "cheetah"
RIDE ON - TYPE OF BIG WHEEL
pictures of ride on "cheetah"
Cheetah found at MousePad...
http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/archive/index.php/t-46084-p-3.html
Black Pearl
08-12-2005, 11:30 AM
Okay, some I forgot:
My beloved Atari 2600 - (may it rest in pieces)
Wacky Packs - Those baseball card like packs that parodied everyday household items.
Green Machine - Kind of like a Big Wheel, but faster and more apt to flip over in the street.
Cheetah - It was kind of like a Big Wheel, but it had long forks and a skinny little tire in the front....Very fast, if I recall correctly.
Mattel Hand Held Football - I must have ran a hundred thousand yards with those little red blips.
Stompers - Little, battery powered 4X4's.
Jaws Game - Kind of like operation except for the fact that you had Jaws snapping his grill at you when you messed up, instead of a buzzing board.
Rubiks Cube - Lets be honest. How many of us either peeled the stickers off or just completely took it apart?
Nerf Footballs - My first broken bone was my pinkie, off of a dead on catch of one of those.
Lite Brite - My daughters got one of them too, they haven't changed at all.
Black Pearl
08-12-2005, 11:30 AM
Okay, some I forgot:
My beloved Atari 2600 - (may it rest in pieces)
Wacky Packs - Those baseball card like packs that parodied everyday household items.
Green Machine - Kind of like a Big Wheel, but faster and more apt to flip over in the street.
Cheetah - It was kind of like a Big Wheel, but it had long forks and a skinny little tire in the front....Very fast, if I recall correctly.
Mattel Hand Held Football - I must have ran a hundred thousand yards with those little red blips.
Stompers - Little, battery powered 4X4's.
Jaws Game - Kind of like operation except for the fact that you had Jaws snapping his grill at you when you messed up, instead of a buzzing board.
Rubiks Cube - Lets be honest. How many of us either peeled the stickers off or just completely took it apart?
Nerf Footballs - My first broken bone was my pinkie, off of a dead on catch of one of those.
Lite Brite - My daughters got one of them too, they haven't changed at all.
Cheetah found at Zedheads...
http://www.zedheads.com/comments.aspx?linkid=5036
nature223 [87] on Friday, November 16, 2007 3:47:59 PM
quote commenthttp://www.liberalsmustdie.com/
I thought the cheetah was cool growing up...
kinda like the green machine but the rear wheels drove by a cable pull arrangement,then when you hit the bottom pedal travel it locked the wheel...
nature223 [87] on Friday, November 16, 2007 3:47:59 PM
quote commenthttp://www.liberalsmustdie.com/
I thought the cheetah was cool growing up...
kinda like the green machine but the rear wheels drove by a cable pull arrangement,then when you hit the bottom pedal travel it locked the wheel...
Cheetah found on MetaFilter
BYOBW means Bring You Own Big Wheel
http://www.metafilter.com/28642/BYOBW
Sorry, ROU, the Cheetah was badder by far. I can't find an image on the web, but they were designed like a three-wheeled chopper--extended front forks, low seat between the back wheels. The rider propelled himself by pushing pedals that pulled cables out of some sort of rotary turbine in the axle. It screamed. Although the Green Machine handled better, the Cheetah was faster. I think they stopped making them in the early 70s because too many kids were getting smeared.
posted by squirrel at 12:21 PM on September 30
http://www.metafilter.com/28642/BYOBW
Sorry, ROU, the Cheetah was badder by far. I can't find an image on the web, but they were designed like a three-wheeled chopper--extended front forks, low seat between the back wheels. The rider propelled himself by pushing pedals that pulled cables out of some sort of rotary turbine in the axle. It screamed. Although the Green Machine handled better, the Cheetah was faster. I think they stopped making them in the early 70s because too many kids were getting smeared.
posted by squirrel at 12:21 PM on September 30
The Cheetah riding toy from Road Bike Review...
May 10, 2001 8:04 PM
http://archive.roadbikereview.com/04/0EE9159D.php
Hey I had a Cheetah...remember those? KidAtHeart
Knowing my father it was probably a cheap knockoff of the GreenMachine. IF he only knew how much my bike(s) costs.
http://archive.roadbikereview.com/04/0EE9159D.php
Hey I had a Cheetah...remember those? KidAtHeart
Knowing my father it was probably a cheap knockoff of the GreenMachine. IF he only knew how much my bike(s) costs.
The Cheetah - from Feeling Retro...
This memory was added on: March 24,2007
http://www.feelingretro.com/toys/Ride-On-Toys/big-wheel.php
This is soooo cool!! I had a Big Wheel when I was 4 with the brake lever on the right side. You could do power slides all day long. then I got "The Cheetah". That thing was SUPER fast with cables and spring loaded hubs. The next was "Green Machine" Dang.... Those were the days. I still have scars on my head from those.
Christopher Binns
05/17/68
motocrispy@yahoo.com
http://www.feelingretro.com/toys/Ride-On-Toys/big-wheel.php
This is soooo cool!! I had a Big Wheel when I was 4 with the brake lever on the right side. You could do power slides all day long. then I got "The Cheetah". That thing was SUPER fast with cables and spring loaded hubs. The next was "Green Machine" Dang.... Those were the days. I still have scars on my head from those.
Christopher Binns
05/17/68
motocrispy@yahoo.com
Another from "In the 00s"...
Subject: The Cheetah
Written By: Brent Simmons on 3/10/2001 at 11:20 p.m.
I was wondering if anyone had information regarding "The Cheetah" riding toy that is refernceed on the first page of this site. Any info would be great.
Thanks
Written By: Brent Simmons on 3/10/2001 at 11:20 p.m.
I was wondering if anyone had information regarding "The Cheetah" riding toy that is refernceed on the first page of this site. Any info would be great.
Thanks
From in the 00s: Cheetah Maker
Subject: Cheetah riding toy
http://www.inthe00s.com/archive/inthe70s/bbs0/webBBS_640.shtml
Written By: Sunny on 10/19/2000 at 10:55 a.m.
PLEASE HELP ME FIND MAKER OR ACCESS TO THE CHEETAH RIDING TOY OF THE 70'S. DESPERATE.
http://www.inthe00s.com/archive/inthe70s/bbs0/webBBS_640.shtml
Written By: Sunny on 10/19/2000 at 10:55 a.m.
PLEASE HELP ME FIND MAKER OR ACCESS TO THE CHEETAH RIDING TOY OF THE 70'S. DESPERATE.
From Ask Dr Toy June 2006
BIKE - CHEETAH
http://www.drtoy.org/ask_drtoy/ask_drtoy_2006_06.html
Do you know anything about the 1975 "CHEETAH" bike?
http://www.drtoy.org/ask_drtoy/ask_drtoy_2006_06.html
Do you know anything about the 1975 "CHEETAH" bike?
Cheetah comments from Fadwiki
Cheetah
From Fadwiki (http://fads.wikia.com/wiki/Cheetah)...
I had a Cheetah in the 70's. I remember seeing the comercials of the kid slamming the pedals and spinning a 720 to a stop. It's all I could think about for months, I Had to have one! So I begged my mom for Christmas and asked Santa (he was a little confused about my Cheetah request). That Christmas I didn't get it, I was expecting it to be under the tree, but no Cheetah. I was bumed, and mopped around for a few days. But my birthday was a few days away so I had a second chance. I discovered it on my birthday when I went downstairs and found my older brother screwing it together. I remember it clearly because I flipped-out and started screeming, and I guess he was startled because he slipped the screwdriver into his index finger! He started screeming too. That Cheetah was the best thing ever! Like everyone remembers, it was fast! I had no trouble keeping up with my brothers Stingray, and could go miles on the thing. It could be considered the first recumbent bycycle. I actualy burned-out the drive mechanism on it within a couple weeks, so my mom to it back and argued with the store manager to give us a new one (in those days taking stuff back for exchange or a refund wasn't easy). I got the second one, which was great because the hard plastic wheels were new (I had smoked the wheels on the first one from so many spins, they had flat spots). About that time they paved a new culdesac next to our home. It was kind of a clover shape cudesac with a slight slope to it. My cheetah would screem on that new pavement, I'm sure I got up to 25mph on the thing! I went so fast with the pedals that the return spring in the wheel hub broke. My dad was able to fix it, but it was never the same. If I went anywhere near fast, the drive cables would slip off the spring hub, and he would have to fix it again. I still rode it around and all the kids thought it was the coolest. Eventually, my mom backed over the front forks and wheel with the car. My brother straightened out the forks, but the wheel was bent like a potato chip! I still rode it even then, but it looked more like a clown vehicle at this point. Anyway, I've been looking on the net for any trace of the Cheetah, and came across this site. I would like to find a picture too, or even better, a working Cheetah. I don't know why they don't bring this back.
I had one of these when I was a kid and it was probably the best thing I had up to 6 years old. I would love to find one for my child now. Are they still made? Do you know where I could look at one to get a good enough idea how to make it if they're not made anymore? Thank you
I was wondering if you had a picture of the Cheetah. It was my favorite toy when I was a kid. I can't find a pic anywhere on the net.
Yes, the Cheetah chopper rocked. It did smoke everything else and it's what helped me love racing and motorsports. That winning feeling at a young age was great (although I had an unfair advantage and felt a little bad for the big wheel kids). Who did make it? There must be someone who has a picture of one. We need to bring that thing back!
It was alot like a chopper bike. It was built low to the ground, with one small tire in the front and two wide, plastic tires in back. You reclined in the seat and two pedals were in front of you. When you "pumped" each pedal alternately, the bike built up speed - a lot of speed! Pushing forward on both pedals at once would slam on the brakes, allowing the rider to skid and spin around.
Please forgive this note as it is not to add anything to the list but instead to thankyou for listing the Cheetah ride toy. I have searched the internet just wondering if there was anything on my favorite toy as a child in the 70's. The Cheetah was THE ride toy in my "hood" and nothing, not a big wheele, not the green machine NOTHING could touch it. I loved that thing with all my heart and you're description brought back memories I had lost. Thank you so much for helping my trip thru the past by remembering the best toy a kid ever had.
From Fadwiki (http://fads.wikia.com/wiki/Cheetah)...
I had a Cheetah in the 70's. I remember seeing the comercials of the kid slamming the pedals and spinning a 720 to a stop. It's all I could think about for months, I Had to have one! So I begged my mom for Christmas and asked Santa (he was a little confused about my Cheetah request). That Christmas I didn't get it, I was expecting it to be under the tree, but no Cheetah. I was bumed, and mopped around for a few days. But my birthday was a few days away so I had a second chance. I discovered it on my birthday when I went downstairs and found my older brother screwing it together. I remember it clearly because I flipped-out and started screeming, and I guess he was startled because he slipped the screwdriver into his index finger! He started screeming too. That Cheetah was the best thing ever! Like everyone remembers, it was fast! I had no trouble keeping up with my brothers Stingray, and could go miles on the thing. It could be considered the first recumbent bycycle. I actualy burned-out the drive mechanism on it within a couple weeks, so my mom to it back and argued with the store manager to give us a new one (in those days taking stuff back for exchange or a refund wasn't easy). I got the second one, which was great because the hard plastic wheels were new (I had smoked the wheels on the first one from so many spins, they had flat spots). About that time they paved a new culdesac next to our home. It was kind of a clover shape cudesac with a slight slope to it. My cheetah would screem on that new pavement, I'm sure I got up to 25mph on the thing! I went so fast with the pedals that the return spring in the wheel hub broke. My dad was able to fix it, but it was never the same. If I went anywhere near fast, the drive cables would slip off the spring hub, and he would have to fix it again. I still rode it around and all the kids thought it was the coolest. Eventually, my mom backed over the front forks and wheel with the car. My brother straightened out the forks, but the wheel was bent like a potato chip! I still rode it even then, but it looked more like a clown vehicle at this point. Anyway, I've been looking on the net for any trace of the Cheetah, and came across this site. I would like to find a picture too, or even better, a working Cheetah. I don't know why they don't bring this back.
I had one of these when I was a kid and it was probably the best thing I had up to 6 years old. I would love to find one for my child now. Are they still made? Do you know where I could look at one to get a good enough idea how to make it if they're not made anymore? Thank you
I was wondering if you had a picture of the Cheetah. It was my favorite toy when I was a kid. I can't find a pic anywhere on the net.
Yes, the Cheetah chopper rocked. It did smoke everything else and it's what helped me love racing and motorsports. That winning feeling at a young age was great (although I had an unfair advantage and felt a little bad for the big wheel kids). Who did make it? There must be someone who has a picture of one. We need to bring that thing back!
It was alot like a chopper bike. It was built low to the ground, with one small tire in the front and two wide, plastic tires in back. You reclined in the seat and two pedals were in front of you. When you "pumped" each pedal alternately, the bike built up speed - a lot of speed! Pushing forward on both pedals at once would slam on the brakes, allowing the rider to skid and spin around.
Please forgive this note as it is not to add anything to the list but instead to thankyou for listing the Cheetah ride toy. I have searched the internet just wondering if there was anything on my favorite toy as a child in the 70's. The Cheetah was THE ride toy in my "hood" and nothing, not a big wheele, not the green machine NOTHING could touch it. I loved that thing with all my heart and you're description brought back memories I had lost. Thank you so much for helping my trip thru the past by remembering the best toy a kid ever had.
Cheetah riding toy picture
Below is a picture a Cheetah riding toy. Way faster than a Big Wheel or a Green Machine...
This is not me and not a picture of anyone I know. I found it on the W3 somewhere.)
This is not me and not a picture of anyone I know. I found it on the W3 somewhere.)
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